On World Artificial Intelligence Day, Dr Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman & CEO, SS Innovations highlights the role of technology in delievering cardiac care
The Indian Economy is today experiencing buoyancy with many sectors experiencing robust growth. As we stand today (read: Post COVID-19. Information Technology, more so, new age technologies (aka Emerging Technologies like AI, ML) has played a significant role in helping businesses bounce back to its hey days. Among the industries that holds a prominent position as the fastest growing sector is the healthcare sector which has harnessed technology keeping the common man in mind. During COVID-19, medical devices like ventillators, rapid antigen test kits, oxygen concentrators, oximeters by start-ups made deep in-roads to effectively combat COVID-19. One of the visible technological advancements that took centre stage in the health sector is robotics, more precisely robotic surgeries. If estimates are anything to go by, reports indicate that robotic surgeries witnessed a 200 per cent growth during COVID-19.
Dr Sudhir Srivastava, popularly known as one of the original pioneers of robotic cardiac surgery says, “One of the most positive impacts that the robotic system has provided for the patient is that this system has made surgeries less traumatic and more precise, among a host of other advantages that it brings to the table”. For doctors, many complicated surgeries can be performed with precision and in areas where human hands can feel restricted. Better 3D visualisation helps the doctor sitting at the console to get a precise and up-close view of the surgical visual field thereby enabling a magnified view which translates into extremely precise surgeries.
For the patient on the other hand, those undergoing a robotic surgery experience much less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery time and the patient can get back on his/her feet, up and running much faster when compared to traditional and more invasive surgical approaches.
Within the larger sphere of technology, AI has made significant in-roads into the health sector, rapidly transforming the space bringing unprecedented tools for diagnosis, treatment and patient care. AI technologies and interconnected devices enable to assimilate and analyse large quantities of data, monitor patients remotely and deliver targeted treatment. According to statistics AI in healthcare market is projected to grow from USD 14.6 billion in 2023 to USD 102.7 billion by 2028.
With AI, a paradigm shift has been observed in cardiac diagnosis and delivering precise and timely care to those with cardiovascular disorders. For instance, AI-based applications have enhanced the understanding of various types of heart failures and congenital heart diseases. These in turn have led to newer treatment strategies for different types of cardiovascular diseases. In addition Artificial Intelligence allows for accurate prediction of cardiovascular outcomes, non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease and prediction of outcomes for heart failure patients. AI in robotic surgeries for cardiac care seems like a “heart to heart” connection. Data by World Health Organization indicate cardiovascular diseases claim around 17.9 million people each year, translating to 31 per cent of all fatalities globally.
85 per cent of these deaths result from a heart attack or a stroke. Going by these alarming statistics, the need of the hour is intervention at a lighting pace, early identification and quick prevention to avert mortality, something that precision devices are adept at doing (read: Robotics with AI). Even pathological diagnosis of the heart utilizes AI. A team of researchers at Stanford University is using AI to diagnose cardiac issues. They have developed an algorithm to evaluate the pace at which the heart pumps blood that reads echocardiograms, just like a cardiologist would do. Net result: Cardiac issues diagnosed quickly with a complete picture of the inner frame of a human heart. Even some algorithms predict cardiac history of patients, detect difference between arrhythmia (including abnormal and drop beats) and a normal heartbeat. This in turn predicts the risk of onset of chronic heart failure. AI can even make a patient future ready by a ten-year risk assessment of cardiac diseases, analysing a patient’s blood pressure, pulse etc. A recent study used an algorithm on 859 patients and the risk assessment was as accurate as clinically concluded by cardiologists.
While Robotics have proved itself time and again for its flawless surgeries, the amalgamation of robotic arm and Artificial Intelligence has the potential to enable computer systems to take autonomous decisions in operation theatres. AI has proven to be a tremendous asset in healthcare diagnostics and patient monitoring. Amalgamating Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to deliver exceptional surgeries to patients is bringing the best of both worlds together and the next logical step in robotic surgical procedures that would significantly benefit both surgeons and patients. Integrating AI into Robotic Surgical systems can ensure more physicians have access to learning opportunities and thereby support a larger pool of medical professionals in performing surgeries.
In summation, Robotic Surgeries and Artificial Intelligence, the synthesis of the two, will bring about another revolution in healthcare ushering in a new order in surgical procedures and patient care. Dr Srivastava signs off “Given the potential AI has and what it can do in healthcare, the technology is growing in leaps and bounds so much so that every single calendar day calls for AI appreciation”.