An electronics specialist has developed a computer that can listen to blood flowing in a patient's neck arteries and identify whether the artery has dangerous levels of cholesterol blockage. Michael Savic, professor of electrical, computer and systems engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the US, has prototyped and patented the unit which he believes can provide an inexpensive, non-invasive system that doctors can use in their surgeries during routine check-ups. A trained doctor can detect the sound of blockage in the two large carotid arteries that carry blood to the brain.
Expensive diagnostic systems can also be used. Professor Savic has developed a number of computers that recognise highly specialised sounds including a burglar alarm that reacts to the sound of breaking glass. His prototype device listens for the sound of blood flow turbulence in the carotids between heart beats and warns the doctor that there is a problem.