A new startup aims to save countless lives. Sonorus, an Australian company, is developing an AI-powered algorithm that can detect signs of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) by analyzing heart sounds. This innovative technology was highlighted at the recent SXSW Sydney Tech and Innovation Showcase. The AI is trained to recognize heart disease indicators that might otherwise be overlooked.
“We’ve designed a cost-effective, portable screening tool that acts proactively to detect potential heart issues,” said Leah Martínez, CTO of Sonorus. “Our goal is to catch these signs early in at-risk communities, setting them on a path to receive necessary treatment before more invasive procedures like echocardiograms become necessary.”
The company’s vision is to make RHD easily detectable through a quick, routine check, reducing the need for doctors in the initial stages. Sonorus was co-founded by Martínez and CEO Dr. Julie Dao in 2022. Both bring valuable backgrounds—Dao in cardiovascular health and Martínez in engineering. The venture began as a project in Martínez’s apartment and has since developed into a fully functional prototype, thanks in part to support from Monash University.
“We want to build the largest comprehensive database of heart sounds to extract insights previously unknown,” Martínez noted.
RHD, caused by rheumatic fever from a Strep A infection, leads to severe heart damage if untreated. It affects millions globally, particularly in lower-income areas. Early detection is crucial as untreated RHD can lead to severe complications, whereas early treatment can be as simple as a penicillin shot.
Sonorus utilizes AI to detect heart disease before evident symptoms arise. “By listening to heart sounds, we can identify issues before they appear on an ultrasound,” Martínez explained. The goal is to use AI to offer a preliminary screening that aids doctors rather than replaces them.
However, developing the AI algorithm requires extensive data gathering. Sonorus is working to collect high-quality data from the communities it serves, ensuring that its solutions are trustworthy and user-friendly.
Looking ahead, Martínez hopes Sonorus’ AI can eventually screen for various cardiovascular conditions, broadening its impact. “We’re focused on getting RHD detection right, and from there, the scalability of AI could allow us to expand to other heart diseases,” Martínez said.
The technology represents a potential shift in cardiovascular diagnostics, emphasizing early, affordable, and accessible detection.