Withings ScanWatch offers medical applications
Withings has done it again with ScanWatch, the world's first clinically validated hybrid smartwatch to detect both risk of arrhythmia (AFib) and sleep apnea – all from the wrist! Developed by cardiologists and sleep experts, it is Withings’ most medically advanced wearable to date, helping users and their physicians monitor overall health with a smartwatch that identifies highly prevalent, yet largely underdiagnosed cardiovascular and sleep issues early.
“ScanWatch is our most ambitious medical tracker and purposely designed to detect the early presence of AFib and sleep apnea - two related issues that are extremely common yet largely undiagnosed, despite their known impact on multiple health conditions,” said Mathieu Letombe, CEO of Withings.
“Worn throughout the day and night, ScanWatch provides an early warning system, collecting and sharing critical health data with users and their physicians.” With an impressive 30-day battery life, ScanWatch shares the elegant analog look of previous Withings’ hybrid watches with a number of enhanced design elements. It features a larger digital display than previous models as well as improved navigation through a newly created crown dial. It is slated to be available in Europe and the United States in Q2 2020 for €249/£229/$249 (38mm), €299/£279/$299 (42mm), pending CE and FDA-clearance. In-depth Cardiovascular Health Monitoring AFib is the main form of irregular heart rhythm that is often underdiagnosed as it can be intermittent and easily missed if symptoms are not occurring during infrequent doctors’ visit.
ScanWatch can detect if a user has AFib or if their heart rhythm is slow, high or normal thanks to its ability to take a medical grade electrocardiogram (ECG) on-demand as well as its proactive heart scanning feature. Since AFib symptoms are irregular or may not even be known to users, ScanWatch offers a new early warning detection capability. Through its embedded PPG sensor, the device has the ability to continuously monitor heart rate, which allows it to alert users to a potential issue even if they don’t feel palpitations.
When ScanWatch detects an irregular heartbeat through its heart rate sensor, it will prompt the user via the watch display to take an ECG reading. When users do experience symptoms or have been alerted of an abnormal heart rate, they can easily take an ECG, in just 30 seconds, through three built-in electrodes by simply touching both sides of the bezel. During the measurement, users can see the live electrocardiogram displayed on the watch screen or in the accompanying Health Mate app. Once the reading is complete, the results can be viewed both directly on the watch screen and in the app. A history of all recordings, their associated classifications and any noted comments or symptoms are stored in the app. All data collected can easily be shared with a doctor or healthcare professional. Sleep Apnea Detection One billion people are estimated to suffer from mild to severe sleep apnea, a serious condition that can lead to major cardiovascular issues.
However 8 out 10 people don’t know they have it.
For the first time, ScanWatch is able to detect the presence of night sleep apnea episodes through an SpO2 sensor that emits and absorbs a light wave passing through blood vessels. All night long, it measures oxygen saturation levels to identify when levels are inadequate due to breathing disturbances such as sleep apnea.
In addition, ScanWatch provides sophisticated sleep monitoring and analysis of sleep patterns, including the length, depth and quality of sleep. Each morning, users can access their Sleep Score in the Health Mate app that is based on sleep duration, depth regularity and interruptions. Additionally, like Withings other activity and sleep trackers, ScanWatch has a Smart Wake-up capability that wakes users with vibration alarms at the most optimal time in their sleep cycle. Enhanced Display Design and Features In keeping with Withings’ reputation for elegant style, ScanWatch’s high-end craftsmanship includes a waterproof, 316L stainless steel case and sapphire glass watch face.
Its face shows the time as well as a sub-dial that shows the percentage of daily step goals achieved, which are set and managed within the Health Mate app. The PMOLED display shows important health and sports data such as daily and previous day steps and sleep score as well as calories, distance and heart rate. Users can scroll through each screen thanks to a newly designed digital crown on the side of the watch. The digital Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: a literature-based analysis Benjafield, Adam V et al.
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, Volume 7, Issue 8, 687 - 698 crown also allows users to launch an ECG record and SPO2 measurement, start workout modes and deactivate/set alarms. The watch’s display shows smartphone notifications, which appear along with a discrete vibration. Like all Withings devices, it connects to the dedicated Health Mate app that provides data and insights, as well as the ability to schedule activity reminders and set goals. Health Mate connects with more than 100 third-party apps such as Apple Health, Google Fit, Strava, or MyFitnessPal to help people manage their health and wellness from multiple sources. Activity & Workout Tracking: ScanWatch, like all of Withings trackers, is a sophisticated activity monitor able to track parameters such as steps, calories, elevation, workout routes (via connected GPS) and can automatically recognize more than 30 daily activities such as walking, running, swimming and cycling.
In addition, it offers Fitness Level assessments through an indicator called VO2 Max, which measures the heart and muscles ability to convert oxygen into energy during physical exercise. This fitness metric will help users to optimize their training, increase performance and achieve long-term fitness objectives.