Early detection of cardiovascular disease via mobile diagnosis
InSiDe is a European research project for the early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease using laser Doppler vibrometry.
Published on April 27, 2025
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A handy device that can quickly and efficiently diagnose cardiovascular disorders: this breakthrough could take the fight against cardiovascular disease to a whole new level.
The innovative EU-funded InSiDe project led by imec has developed the device. With nearly 18 million deaths per year, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. The new device, based on silicon photonics, provides a direct, real-time diagnosis using laser Doppler vibrometry. This enables the early detection of arterial stiffness, a key indicator of serious heart problems.
The prototype promises to provide doctors with fast and reliable results, eliminating the need for expensive or invasive techniques. This could have a significant impact on early intervention and treatment, representing a step forward in the global fight against health issues.
The urgent need to improve the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases is highlighted by the fact that these diseases are responsible for 31% of global deaths. The InSiDe project, coordinated by imec and Ghent University, is an innovative European initiative focused on developing a handy diagnostic device.
Technological innovations
The consortium behind the InSiDe project has made significant technological advances by integrating multi-beam laser Doppler vibrometry into a compact, user-friendly device that allows doctors to receive immediate results without the need for a reflective patch. Thanks in part to the miniaturization of components on a silicon chip, these innovations offer clear advantages over traditional methods, which are often expensive, cumbersome, and invasive.
The success of the InSiDe project was made possible by collaboration between leading European research institutes, companies, and academic institutions. Imec, a world leader in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, played a crucial role in coordinating and developing the technology. This was complemented by substantial EU funding, which made significant contributions to the entities involved, such as Ghent University and Medtronic's Bakken Research Center, to facilitate development and clinical testing.
Clinical impact
The device has undergone clinical feasibility studies in France and the Netherlands with promising results. The application of laser vibrometry shows that it can acquire valuable signals in less than ten minutes, without patients being aware of the measurement procedures. This makes the device ideal for use in busy clinical settings, where fast and reliable diagnostic information can often make the difference in patient care.
The rapid progress made in the InSiDe project points to a future in which early detection and monitoring of cardiovascular disease will be both cheaper and widely accessible. With the planned industrialization of the device, patients will soon be able to benefit from improved diagnostic tools that can support physicians more quickly and efficiently. This could mean a significant reduction in mortality from cardiovascular disease, with major implications for public health worldwide.