SQUID-Based Magnetocardiography (MCG): a noninvasive tool to study cardiac activity

Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUID) are known for their unmatched sensitivity in measuring extremely weak magnetic fields. The technique of measuring the weak magnetic fields (50-100 pico Tesla) generated by the electrical activity of the heart is magnetocardiography (MCG). This completely noninvasive and non-contact technique is known to offer diagnostic information that complements the conventional ECG. This paper highlights the capabilities of the first Magnetocardiography (MCG) facility established in the country at the Materials Science Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam. The utility of MCG in clinical cardiology is demonstrated through case studies conducted in collaboration with hospitals, focusing on subjects with cardiac anomalies. Furthermore, the study investigates the operational feasibility of the MCG setup in unshielded environments, specifically targeting hospital-based applications. Additionally, the potential for deploying cost-effective, home-built SQUID electronics is assessed by utilizing readily available electronic components, emphasizing their viability for broader clinical adoption.