NIT Rourkela develops ECG Lead System for effective diagnosis of Atrial Arrhythmias

In a significant advancement for cardiac healthcare, researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed a breakthrough ECG lead system aimed at improving the early detection of atrial arrhythmias, a key cause of stroke and other serious heart conditions.

Named as the Atrial Lead System (ALS), the innovation enhances the clarity of electrical signals from the upper chambers of the heart—known as the atria—by modifying the positioning of ECG electrodes.

This adjustment significantly improves the visibility of the P-wave, a vital signal in diagnosing atrial arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.

"Traditional ECGs often fail to clearly display the P-wave, especially in noisy environments or with low-cost equipment," said Dr. J. Sivaraman, lead researcher and Assistant Professor in NIT Rourkela’s Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering. 

“Our novel electrode placements enhance the visibility of atrial activity, helping doctors make faster and more accurate clinical decisions,” he added.

A key advantage of the ALS system is its compatibility with existing ECG machines, eliminating the need for new hardware investments. The system is poised for widespread adoption across both public and private healthcare settings at no additional cost.

The research, led by Dr. Sivaraman, Dr. N. Bala Chakravarthy, and Prof. Kunal Pal, was conducted in collaboration with senior interventional cardiologist Dr. R. Pradeep Kumar of MIOT International, Chennai, and Jaiprakash Hospital, Rourkela.

“A clearly visible P-wave on ECG can offer vital clues to diagnosing atrial disorders,” said Dr. Kumar, adding, “Improving its visibility will help distinguish between atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias.”

The project has been backed by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and findings have been published in reputed international journals such as Biomedical Signal Processing & Control and Physical & Engineering Sciences in Medicine. A patent application (No. 202431094709) has also been filed for the innovation.

This development underscores the growing synergy between academic innovation and clinical practice, placing India at the forefront of cost-effective solutions in cardiac diagnostics.