The field of cardiology is constantly in forward motion. Over the past 10 years, technological advancements within the medical device industry have led to significant improvements in patient outcomes.

Frail and elderly patients suffering from aortic valve stenosis can now tolerate minimally invasive transcatheter valve replacements, resulting in significantly lower morbidity and mortality than that associated with traditional open-heart surgery. In the field of cardiac electrophysiology, pulsed field ablation is a new, advanced method for performing catheter ablation. This method eliminates sources of atrial fibrillation by utilizing pulsed field direct current energy, allowing for more rapid ablation procedures with fewer complications.

Exciting developments in the field of pacemakers has led to the development of electrodes and guide catheters that allow for conduction system pacing in patients with bradycardia and congestive heart failure. These tools allow an operator to harness the heart’s native conduction system resulting in synchronous and physiologic contraction of the ventricles. Ultimately, these new technologies and developments are revolutionizing the way we care for patients.

Author:
Andrew Krumerman, MD
AKrumerman_2

The Use of Artificial Intelligence

Perhaps the most exciting trend in cardiology is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to help analyze and impact clinical decision-making. This trend promises to be an asset for health systems that are engaged in population health management and value-based care. Imagine understanding future cardiac risk in a large population of individuals simply based on their electrocardiograms. Two percent of the general population is estimated to have asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction that can lead to heart failure. The electrocardiogram, an inexpensive, readily available test, combined with AI algorithms, can already accurately determine whether a patient has a cardiomyopathy. (Reference 1)

Training within the life sciences industry is integral in supporting trends such as AI and when introducing these novel diagnostic tools into healthcare systems. As industry representatives introduce new therapies, they must effectively demonstrate the value of these tools to patients and providers alike. Artificial intelligence promises to allow for more efficiency at the provider level, leading to an improved patient experience. Proper education and understanding of core concepts surrounding new technology will be critical for those introducing these treatment modalities into the healthcare system.

Life sciences professionals that understand the benefits of AI and how algorithms may be used to effect changes in the health of the population are in a unique position. Educating partners within the healthcare system and demonstrating the power of such new technologies will ultimately improve patient care.

“Training within the life sciences industry is integral in supporting trends such as AI and when introducing these novel diagnostic tools into healthcare systems”

References

(1) Xiaxi Y et al. AI enabled electrocardiograms for identification of patients with low ejection fraction: a pragmatic, randomized clinical trial. Nature Medicine 27:May 2021. 815-819

About The Author

Andrew Krumerman, MD
Professor of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Division of Cardiology

Andrew Krumerman, MD, is an Attending Physician in the Divisions of Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiology at Montefiore Medical Center. He is Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Dr. Krumerman received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan and his Doctor of Medicine from the Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed his fellowship in Cardiac Electrophysiology at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University.

Dr. Krumerman is a founder of the Montefiore ECG Research Group. Through this forum, he has mentored medical students and young physicians interested in pursuing academic careers. His research focuses on disparities in health care, malignant early repolarization, and sudden cardiac death as well as tools and techniques to minimize fluoroscopy during catheter ablation procedures.

Dr. Krumerman is actively sought out to collaborate with faculty both inside and outside of the Montefiore Health System. He is an investigator in multicenter, NIH-sponsored trials such as the CABANA study and the Women’s Health Study. He has also collaborated with the Sarcoidosis Clinical Research Group, studying sarcoidosis in World Trade Center-exposed fire fighters. Dr. Krumerman is currently board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology.

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