An iPhone, an ultrasound, and a life-saving diagnosis—all in the ER

We often think of iPhones as everyday gadgets—used for texting, scrolling, or taking photos. But in a life-or-death moment, an iPhone-powered device became the difference between survival and tragedy for Sara Adair. When she suffered a sudden and deadly aortic dissection, a doctor used an iPhone-connected ultrasound probe to diagnose her in minutes—something that might have taken much longer with traditional methods. That speed saved her life.

A hidden danger with no warning signs

Adair, a mother of two, already knew the risks of aortic dissection. Her father and sister had both survived the condition, and since she had Loeys-Dietz syndrome—a rare genetic disorder that weakens connective tissues—she was extra cautious with regular heart check-ups. But despite all this, there were no warning signs.

On July 22, 2024, after a normal day spent with her family, she was suddenly struck by excruciating chest pain that shot up to her neck—a clear red flag for an aortic dissection. She tried to call for help, but before she could, she collapsed.

An iPhone probe changed everything

Paramedics rushed her to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, assuming she was having a heart attack—a dangerous mistake, because the wrong treatment could have made things worse.

That’s when Dr. Shawn Chawla, a cardiology fellow, pulled out an iPhone-powered ultrasound probe. This handheld device, which connects directly to an iPhone, provided real-time imaging that instantly revealed the massive tear in her aorta. That immediate diagnosis meant she was taken in for emergency open-heart surgery without delay.

Dr. Partho P. Sengupta, the hospital’s chief of cardiology, stressed how crucial the iPhone ultrasound was in saving Adair’s life. “Over half of all aortic dissection patients never make it to the hospital in time. The fact that we could diagnose her within minutes made all the difference.”

Recovery and the future

Adair survived the surgery, though complications—including a stroke and fluid buildup—made her recovery tough. But she’s now in cardiac rehab, forever grateful that a small iPhone-connected device gave her another chance.

Now, she’s focused on her children’s genetic testing for Loeys-Dietz syndrome. “I know it was the iPhone ultrasound that saved me,” she said. “If they had treated me for a heart attack instead, I wouldn’t be here today.”