Cardiologs, maker of an artificial intelligence ECG tool, is looking into the pediatric space with its new FDA 510(k) clearance. The AI-backed cardiac diagnostic platform, which landed clearance for adult use in 2017, can now be used on patients under the age of 18 as well. 

This news comes just weeks after health tech giant Philips announced its plans to acquire Cardiologs in an effort to strengthen its cardiac monitoring and diagnostic offerings for an undisclosed sum.

The AI tool is device diagnostic and designed to detect 14 types of cardiac arrhythmias. 

WHY IT MATTERS

According to the CDC, in 2016, 1.3% of children ages 0 to 17 had a heart condition. That breaks down to roughly 900,000 children. Forty percent of children with a heart condition have one or more other special healthcare needs, according to the CDC. 

The agency recommends that developmental screenings take place throughout a child’s first three years of life. 

The French company is now looking to use its new designation to help assist in detecting cardiac complications in kids. 

“The fact that our algorithm continues to improve and is proven to deliver clinically consistent results across all age groups means clinicians can now utilize our ground-breaking technology with the utmost confidence even in children under the age of 18,” Cardiologs CEO and co-founder Yann Fleureau said in a statement. 

THE LARGER TREND 

Recently Cardiologs presented study data at the American Heart Association (AHD) Scientific Sessions, which suggested that its ECG algorithm outperformed Apple’s. 

Cardiologs has previously teamed up with wearable company Withings on a clinical trial that used Withings Move ECG Watch to monitor COVID-19 patients receiving hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug, which has since shown to be ineffective in treating the coronavirus. The trials relied on ECG collected and analyzed by Cardiologs’ AI platform to monitor a patient’s cardiac safety. 

Last year the company closed a $15 million Series A funding round. As for what is next for the company, the Philips’ deal is expected to close in the coming months. According to the acquisition release, Cardiologs’ team of 70 employees will join forces with Philips’ AI focused efforts in Paris.