STAT+: Google’s new FDA clearance and Teladoc’s dreary forecast
In this edition of STAT's Health Tech newsletter: Google gets an FDA clearance, Teladoc's dreary forecast, and more.
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A closer look at Google’s ‘loss of pulse’ feature
With Google’s annual health-focused PR event coming up in March, the company this week announced a flurry of updates.
First, Google announced that the Food and Drug Administration cleared a loss of pulse detection feature for its Pixel 3 smartwatch. It’s a 510(k) clearance, and as of writing, it’s not posted to the FDA’s website. The feature uses the wearable’s sensors to detect that your heart has stopped beating — Google cites cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, and overdose or poisoning as reasons why this might happen. After a brief check-in period, the smartwatch sounds an alarm and starts a countdown. If there’s still no response, the watch uses uses built-in cellular or a connected smartphone to contact emergency services with context and location. Google plans an education campaign with emergency services groups so they know what exactly to make of these new calls. The feature is not meant for people with preexisting heart conditions or who need cardiac monitoring.
