Dr Rajan Thakurr Managing Director & Chairman, Heart Hospital explains the role of technology in cardiac care and throws light on the emerging trends in the sector
Rapid advancements in technology have completely transformed cardiac care. With the adoption of new age technologies and tools such as artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, virtual reality and others, it is now possible to treat complex heart conditions and advanced surgeries easily. Patient management is one of the most critical aspects in cardiac care. A person suffering from any kind of ailment has to be monitored to avoid cardiac arrests or even heart attacks. Today, digital tools, apps and wearables are so accessible and affordable that patients can regularly take updates and monitor health conditions easily to lead a healthier life. Research & development and innovation have taken the center-stage in cardiac care leading to the emergence of new tech trends to treat and manage patients better.
AI transforming cardiac care: The use of artificial intelligence in heart treatment is benefiting a lot in improving and transforming cardiac care. The AI tools are highly capable of analysing and responding to data quickly for fast diagnosis of heart conditions, quick treatment, better management and others. The AI-assisted tools can result in better and accurate screenings to treat strokes faster and save the patient on time. The cardiologists can use data analysis to know about the patient’s condition better and make better decisions.
Remote monitoring and wearable devices: With smartphones and wearable devices becoming accessible and affordable, there are many applications which can be leveraged to track heart health. The healthcare professionals and consumers are using fit bits or smart wearable’s like a smart watch to constantly track their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels etc. These devices are capable of detecting high heart rates, low oxygen levels that can alert the patient in case of any emergency. They can contact their doctors to avoid any unwanted situation or complications. Remote monitoring of patients has become a common practice especially after during COVID-19, benefiting patients in many ways. Technology has played a major role in this and many tools are available that can help doctors to monitor their patients’ health remotely. The tools are capable of recording patterns, producing and analysing data that can be utilised by the doctors anytime to plan the best treatment plans for better outcomes. In addition, wireless scales, glucose monitors, blood pressure monitors with user-friendly interface are helping in cardiac rehabilitation, and diabetic and heart failure patients from a remote location as well.
3D modelling in heart treatment: With technology like 3D printing, the doctors can now understand the nature of heart disease with personalised heart models. This has made it possible to prepare models with the help of MRI scans to understand heart defects. This is also of great support in heart surgeries and also for better understanding of heart diseases. This further helps cardiac surgeons or doctors to decide the best treatment for patients.
Virtual reality and augmented reality (VR and AR): The VR and AR technologies are helping cardiologists and healthcare professionals to plan high-end cardiovascular interventions, complement conventional treatment, plan complex surgeries and make better decisions. These technologies provide applications in heart treatment for enhancement and improvement in quality of treatment and heart surgeries. Additionally, by creating a virtual ecosystem, the healthcare professionals get a better understanding of heart conditions and defects by learning and practicing in virtual environments for precision and better results.
Robots in heart surgery: Today, robots-assisted surgery has become highly reliable, safe and accurate. The highly advanced robotic tools are capable of assisting surgeons during surgeries for minimally invasive heart surgeries by using specially designed instruments or very thin robotic arms. These robots are completely transforming how surgeries have been performed so far. They are capable of assisting in complex surgeries, smaller incisions, precision and control for improved outcomes.