Recent advances in digital health technologies are enabling biomedical researchers to reframe health optimization and disease treatment in a patient-specific, personalized manner. This talk will focus on my group’s research in two areas of relevance to digital health: (1) cardiogenic vibration sensing and analytics; and (2) musculoskeletal sensing with joint acoustic emissions and bioimpedance. Our group has extensively studied the timings and characteristics of cardiogenic vibration signals such as the ballistocardiogram and seismocardiogram, and applied these signals for quantifying filling pressures and volume status in the context of heart failure (volume overload) and hemorrhage (volume depletion). We have also leveraged miniature contact microphones to measure the sounds emitted by joints, such as the knees, during movement, and have examined how these acoustic characteristics are altered by musculoskeletal injuries and disorders (e.g., arthritis). We envision that these technologies can all contribute to improving patient care with lower cost and better outcomes.
Omer Inan is Professor and Linda J. and Mark C. Smith Chair in Bioscience and Bioengineering in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Adjunct Professor in the Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, at Georgia Tech. He received his BS, MS, and PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford in 2004, 2005, and 2009, respectively. From 2009-2013, he was the Chief Engineer at Countryman Associates, Inc., a professional audio manufacturer of miniature microphones and high-end audio products for Broadway theaters, theme parks, and broadcast networks. His research focuses on non-invasive physiological sensing and modulation for human health and performance. He has published more than 350 technical articles in peer-reviewed international journals and conferences, and has fifteen issued patents. He has received several major awards for his research including the US National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career (CAREER) award, the US Office of Naval Research Young Investigator award, and the IEEE Sensors Council Early Career award. He also received an Academy Award for Technical Achievement from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (The Oscars). He is an Elected Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and an IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Distinguished Lecturer. While at Stanford as an undergraduate, he was the school record holder and a three-time National Collegiate Athletic Association All-American in the discus throw.