Join Us

How AliveCor Achieved 6X Detection Capabilities
Discover how Unthinkable transformed AliveCor's remote patient monitoring app, expanding cardiac detection capabilities from 5 to 30+ conditions while achieving 98% accuracy in cardiac monitoring.

TABLE OF CONTENT

AliveCor, a pioneering healthcare technology company based in Mountain View, California, needed to modernize their remote patient monitoring application for their FDA-approved smart devices. Their product suite includes IoT-enabled devices that capture and transmit EKG readings to smartphones and tablets, enabling early detection of cardiac abnormalities.

Key Challenges

01

Legacy codebase built on outdated technologies (Java and Objective C)

02

Limited EKG abnormality detection capabilities (only 5 conditions)

03

Poor visibility of 6-lead EKG readings

04

Need for stringent compliance with FDA and HIPAA standards

05

Complex integration requirements with smart devices

These limitations were affecting AliveCor's ability to provide comprehensive cardiac monitoring solutions and maintain their position as an industry innovator.

Unthinkable's Solution for AliveCor

We implemented a comprehensive modernization strategy:

1. Technical Foundation

The project began with a complete codebase migration, transforming the Android application from Java to Kotlin and the iOS application from Objective C to Swift. This was accompanied by a significant database upgrade from SQLite to Room, providing improved performance and scalability. The team enhanced graph pixelation for clearer EKG readings and conducted thorough technical debt resolution and optimization to ensure a robust foundation.

2. Advanced Monitoring Features

At the core of the modernization was the integration of sophisticated Atrial Fibrillation (AF) logic, which significantly enhanced the app's diagnostic capabilities. The team improved 6-lead EKG reading visibility and implemented detection algorithms for over 30 cardiac conditions. This was complemented by real-time rhythm analysis capabilities, allowing for immediate detection of cardiac abnormalities.

3. Health Management Tools

The upgraded platform introduced comprehensive health diary features that transformed patient self-monitoring. Users can now track a complete range of health metrics including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, weight, and various symptoms. The smart device integration capabilities were expanded to include seamless compatibility with both Apple Watch and Wear OS devices, featuring automated data syncing to ensure continuous monitoring.

4. Patient Care Features

The modernization included a sophisticated medication adherence system that helps patients maintain their treatment schedules through timely reminders, accurate dosage tracking, and comprehensive schedule management. The EKG sharing system was enhanced to enable easy generation of PDF reports, secure sharing with family members and caregivers, integrated email functionality, and comprehensive historical record maintenance for better continuity of care.

Quick Poll

What's your biggest challenge?

Real-time Monitoring

HIPAA & FDA Compliance

Device Integration

User Experience

Let's Talk

The modernization delivered substantial improvementss

1. Clinical Accuracy

The upgraded platform achieved unprecedented accuracy in cardiac monitoring, reaching 98% sensitivity in detecting critical conditions including atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia. The system maintains a 97% specificity rate in arrhythmia detection, while successfully monitoring over 30 distinct cardiac conditions. The enhanced real-time monitoring capabilities ensure immediate detection and notification of cardiac events, significantly improving the potential for early intervention.

2. Technical Achievements

The successful platform migration delivered marked improvements in system performance and reliability. EKG visualization was significantly enhanced, providing clearer and more detailed readings for healthcare providers. The modernized data processing system handles complex calculations more efficiently, while maintaining robust compliance with healthcare regulations. This technical foundation supports seamless integration of new features and capabilities as medical technology advances.

3. User Impact

The platform has facilitated the recording of over 80 million ECGs to date, demonstrating its widespread adoption and reliability. Health tracking has been streamlined through an intuitive interface and automated data collection, leading to improved patient engagement with their cardiac care. The enhanced data sharing capabilities have strengthened the connection between patients and healthcare providers, enabling more informed and timely medical decisions.

Business Impact

The modernization project transformed AliveCor's business across key dimensions:


Market Leadership


  • Secured FDA approval for expanded monitoring capabilities
  • Named FastCompany's most innovative AI company in 2018
  • Achieved wider adoption among healthcare providers
  • Built stronger patient trust through clinical precision
  • Established leadership in remote cardiac monitoring


Platform Performance


  • Achieved 98% sensitivity in arrhythmia detection
  • Maintained 97% specificity in condition monitoring
  • Enabled seamless integration with multiple devices
  • Implemented comprehensive health monitoring
  • Ensured HIPAA and FDA compliance



Healthcare Innovation


  • Set new standards in remote cardiac care
  • Expanded beyond basic cardiac monitoring
  • Enhanced data security protocols
  • Improved accessibility for patients and providers
  • Streamlined healthcare delivery processes

Conclusion

Unthinkable's modernization of AliveCor's remote patient monitoring application has redefined cardiac care by expanding detection capabilities from 5 to 30+ conditions while maintaining exceptional accuracy rates. The successful transformation not only established AliveCor as a leader in healthcare technology but also demonstrated how innovative engineering can directly impact patient outcomes. This project showcases the potential of modern technology to revolutionize healthcare delivery while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and compliance.

Ready to build something remarkable?

Let's discuss how our unique approach can help you create a digital platform that evolves with your users.