Patient perspectives on LightScope
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient perspectives on LightScope – engaging patients in advancing heart valve disease diagnosis.
IRAS ID
354444
Contact name
Sandosh Padmanabhan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, making early detection crucial. The heart has four valves that regulate blood flow, ensuring it moves correctly. Heart valve disease (HVD) occurs when a valve is too tight (stenosis), restricting blood flow, or too loose (regurgitation), causing leakage.
HVD is traditionally diagnosed with a stethoscope, but this method is unreliable as it depends on a doctor’s expertise, leading to missed cases. Heart ultrasound (echocardiography) provides a clearer diagnosis but is expensive, time-consuming, and requires specialized staff. In NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, over 2,000 patients are referred annually, with many scans turning out normal, causing long wait times, unnecessary costs, and delays in treating those who need care.
LightScope, developed by LightHearted AI, could revolutionise HVD detection. This contact-free laser stethoscope measures tiny skin vibrations, capturing heart sounds in under 10 seconds. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse sounds and detect HVD, with an eye-safe laser. LightScope is fast, easy to use, and non-contact, making it ideal for general practice. A pilot study at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, tested it on 25 participants, achieving 76% accuracy in detecting abnormal heart sounds.
This explorative qualitative study will organise a patient and public involvement event (PPIE) to engage participants, LightHearted AI, and the research team. Participants from the pilot study (Evaluation of a Contactless Optical Stethoscope for Cardiac Auscultation) will also be invited. The event aims to gather insights on living with HVD and collect feedback on LightScope following a demonstration by LightHearted AI.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SC/0109
Date of REC Opinion
4 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion