Atrial Fibrillation (AF), Atrial Flutter
Conditions
Keywords
Cardioversion, Irregular Heart Rhythm, Arrhythmia, Atrial Fibrillation, Afib, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cardiology, Digital Biomarkers, Voice Biomarkers, Voice Signal Processing, Voice based monitoring
Brief summary
This study is testing a new technology that listens to a person's voice during short phone calls to help identify heart rhythm problems. The goal is to see if voice signal analysis can tell the difference between a normal rhythm (sinus rhythm) and an irregular rhythm (atrial fibrillation). We are enrolling adults scheduled for a standard heart procedure called cardioversion, which is used to reset the heart to a normal rhythm. Each participant will provide voice recordings through three short phone calls: before cardioversion, just after the procedure, and at a follow-up visit. Results will be compared with standard heart rhythm tests (electrocardiograms or ECGs). This research may lead to a simple, low-cost way to monitor heart rhythms remotely without requiring special devices.
Detailed description
This is a prospective, single-center cohort study of 40 patients undergoing cardioversion for atrial fibrillation at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. The study is designed to evaluate whether Vital Audio's investigational vocal biomarker software can reliably distinguish between regular (sinus) and irregular (atrial fibrillation) heart rhythms. Participants will serve as their own controls. They will complete three structured voice recordings: pre-cardioversion, immediately after cardioversion, and at a follow-up visit (1 week to 1 month later). At each time point, ECG data will be collected as the reference standard. Voice samples will be captured through automated phone calls initiated via the Vital Audio platform, with each call lasting about one minute. The software analyzes short vowel sounds in real time to extract heart rate, heart rate variability, and rhythm classification (regular vs. irregular). Data are stored securely, and results are available only to study staff. Patients and their providers will not receive study results directly. The study is minimal risk, with no cost to participants. Compensation is provided for participation. While individuals may not personally benefit, the study aims to generate feasibility data on voice-based heart rhythm monitoring, potentially reducing reliance on costly consumer devices or frequent clinic visits. Findings will support future large-scale trials and may contribute to improved remote monitoring strategies for atrial fibrillation.
Interventions
DEVICESauti
Investigational, software-only device that acquires short voice samples during automated phone calls and analyzes cardiopulmonary signals to estimate heart rate (HR), heart-rate variability (HRV), and rhythm status (regular vs irregular). In this study, three calls are initiated via the Vital Audio web platform (pre-, post-cardioversion, and 1-month follow-up). Results are available only to study staff and are compared with ECG obtained at the same time points. The device is used for data collection/assessment only and does not guide clinical care. IDE: G230147.
Sponsors
Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation
Vital Audio Inc
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
To participate in this study, patients must meet all of the following inclusion criteria: 1. Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and presenting for cardioversion at Allina Health in atrial fibrillation 2. 3\. ≥ 18 years of age Written informed consent obtained from patient in English
Exclusion criteria
Patients who meet any of the following criteria must be excluded from this study: 1. History of a pacemaker 2. History of dysphasia or difficulty with word finding 3. History of vocal cord dysfunction 4. Patient with atrial flutter as presenting arrhythmia 5. Planned transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) with cardioversion
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy of voice-based rhythm classification vs ECG | Pre-cardioversion (same day), post-cardioversion before discharge (same day), and follow-up at 1 week-1 month post-procedure; overall up to 1 month after cardioversion | Percentage of Vital Audio (Sauti v1.0) rhythm classifications (regular vs irregular) that match the ECG-determined rhythm at the same time point. Participants serve as their own controls. Results are aggregated across the three time points; 95% confidence intervals will be reported. |
Contacts
Primary ContactJoshua Buckler, MD, Medical Doctor
Backup ContactSarah Schwager, RN
Outcome results
None listed