Synthesize, optimize, analyze, repeat (SOAR): Application of neural network tools to ECG patient monitoring

Results are reported from the application of tools for synthesizing, optimizing and analyzing neural networks to an ECG Patient Monitoring task. A neural network was synthesized from a rule-based classifier and optimized over a set of normal and abnormal heartbeats. The classification error rate on a separate and larger test set was reduced by a factor of 2. When the network was analyzed and reduced in size by a factor of 40%, the same level of performance was maintained.