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How Technology is used in the Cardiovascular Field?

April 15, 2021 - Parul Saini, Webmedy Team

Updated Version - July 28, 2023


Well, we all know what cardiovascular disease is all about - it is a serious condition that affects the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Innovation in technologies plays a vital role in developing new ways of treating and stopping heart and circulatory diseases. Health innovations that embrace new knowledge and technology possess the potential to revolutionize the management of the cardiovascular disease.

Here we are going to explore how technology innovation is helpful in the cardiovascular field.

Ways Technology is used in Cardiovascular Field

  • Heart Surgery

    Using technology, scientists have created 3D-printed models of the heart using MRI scans to help communicate with patients before surgery. These special models allow doctors to correctly explain the type and nature of disorders to their patients and family. Most of the patients and family members confirmed that 3D models are incredibly helpful, handy, and realistic to understand. What it means is that this customized approach allows the patients and their beloved ones to understand their condition best.

  • Heart Monitoring

    Heart failure is one of the many cardiovascular illnesses that cause the deaths of many patients worldwide. And half of the millions of people tend to have these abnormal heart rhythms, which can be irregular, too fast, or too slow. Now, scientists are exploring how abnormal heart rhythms affect the health of a heart patient. Additionally, they try to understand how these irregular heartbeats are related to death or hospital readmissions. With the arrival of electrocardiogram (ECG) devices, researchers can use their recordings to estimate and track heart rhythms between patients for a long period.

  • Controlling Cholesterol Levels

    Usually, statins circulate throughout the body of a person but unfortunately, these don't always reach enough high levels needed to stop the building of fatty acids in the body. Moreover, these can affect other tissues and muscles, making patients intolerant. Now scientists are using nanomaterials to delivers cholesterol-lowering drugs to parts of the body where they are required urgently. These tiny but stable enough to carry drugs to particular sites of the body, then biodegrade once the payload of drugs has been delivered. Yet, some researchers from the University of Surrey are trying to develop these remarkable nanomaterials, test them, check whether they are good for patient's health. If successful, these nanomaterials could open new ways of giving therapy to patients with high cholesterol levels who cannot tolerate present treatments like statins.

  • Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention

    Researchers from the Na Homolce Hospital in the Czech Republic and the Newpace Company developed implantable defibrillators to help manage cardiovascular patients. The ISSD (Implantable String Subcutaneous defibrillator) comes as a less invasive device intended to prevent sudden cardiac death among patients. This technology surpasses the current subcutaneous defibrillators as they don't need a mental pulse generator pocket, these use flexible string equipment with no leads inside the heart. Interestingly, the implantation takes only about 20 minutes, and the technology will be ready to be connected to your smartphone.

  • Virtual and Augmented Reality

    Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are ready to use by many large cardiology device vendors for staff training. Boston Scientific is using VR headsets with pre-loaded live electrophysiology device implant cases, which offer a 360-degree view of the EP lab and the procedure as a key opinion leader offers his advice and explains what they are doing during the case. This virtual physician proctoring can speed up the transfer of how-to knowledge and patient access to new EP technologies.

  • Big Data to Help Detect and Predict

    Big data is about processing and analyzing complex data sets to get correct insights that can be used when trying to solve a particular problem. There is huge data on multiple aspects within the medical field. The researchers find out a variety of factors that can be used to predict the likelihood that certain people will develop cardiovascular disease over time. As it turns out, big data models can predict the likelihood that a patient will develop a cardiovascular disease by looking at clinical, genomic, and lifestyle data by disease correlations, drug side effects, and genome research. Using Big data researchers identified the top five factors for predicting the risk of cardiovascular diseases:

    • Lifestyle factors: Smoking, diet, drinking, and stress
    • Environmental pollution: Fine dust, high carbon dioxide concentration, etc
    • Gender: Women have a lower general awareness of cardiovascular diseases
    • Social and economic factors: Poverty, hygiene, education level
    • Age: The risk of having cardiovascular disease increases with the age
  • Artificial Intelligence

    AI is increasingly being used as a tool to help physicians to make better decisions. Artificial Intelligence is a technology that allows massive amounts of data to be fed into algorithms which then assist physicians in making the best decisions about the health of their patients. AI is now helping augment cardiologists and medical imaging. AI will likely see its biggest steps forward in cardiology for point-of-care (POC) triage apps and wearable cardiac monitoring technologies. Smart software and AI are being used in the wearable and app algorithms to identify abnormally high heart rates, arrhythmias, and other factors to alert patients to contact their doctors.

  • Robotics

    Researchers from Boston children's Hospital and Harvard University designed a soft robot that encloses the heart and helps it beat as needed. This device promises much, especially to patients whose hearts have been weakened by a heart attack and are still at risk of heart failure. Robot synchronizes with patient's heart through a thin silicone sleeve feature smooth pneumatic actuators that mimic the heart's outer muscular layers' condition. And interesting thing is that devices do this without coming in contact with blood.

Helpful Information

How is technology improving diagnosis in cardiovascular medicine?

Technological advancements in cardiovascular medicine have made diagnosis more accurate and less invasive. Techniques like echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide detailed images of the heart and blood vessels, enabling precise diagnosis of various heart conditions.

What is the role of AI in cardiovascular medicine?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in cardiovascular medicine for tasks such as analyzing imaging results, predicting patient outcomes, and identifying risk factors. AI can handle vast amounts of data, uncovering patterns and insights that might be missed by humans, thus improving patient care.

How are wearable devices used in cardiovascular health monitoring?

Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers can monitor heart rate and rhythm, physical activity, and even blood oxygen levels. Some devices can detect irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, allowing for early intervention.

How does telemedicine benefit cardiovascular patients?

Telemedicine enables remote patient monitoring, virtual consultations, and immediate access to specialists, which is particularly beneficial for cardiovascular patients. It provides continuous care, reduces the need for hospital visits, and can help manage chronic cardiovascular conditions.

How is robotic surgery used in the cardiovascular field?

Robotic surgery is increasingly used in cardiovascular procedures because of its precision and less invasive nature. Robots can perform complex procedures with more flexibility and control than human hands, leading to quicker recovery times and less risk of complications.

What are smart stents and how do they work?

Smart stents are a new generation of stents equipped with sensors that can monitor changes within blood vessels. They can track healing and restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery) and provide real-time data to healthcare providers, allowing for prompt interventions when necessary.

How is 3D printing used in cardiovascular medicine?

3D printing is used in cardiovascular medicine to create accurate models of individual patients' hearts, aiding in preoperative planning. It can also be used to produce customized implants and prosthetics, and there's ongoing research into bio-printing heart tissues for transplants.

What is digital twin technology in cardiovascular care?

A digital twin is a virtual replica of a patient's heart, built using their medical data. This technology allows doctors to simulate different treatment approaches and predict outcomes, helping them choose the best treatment plan for the individual patient.

How do electronic health records benefit cardiovascular care?

Electronic health records (EHRs) improve cardiovascular care by facilitating the easy exchange of patient information among healthcare providers. They allow for comprehensive patient monitoring, better decision making, and improved coordination of care, particularly for patients with chronic heart conditions.

What role does nanotechnology play in cardiovascular medicine?

Nanotechnology is used in cardiovascular medicine for targeted drug delivery, reducing the side effects of medications by delivering them directly to the affected area. Nanoparticles can also be used in imaging and diagnosis, as well as in the development of nanoscale stents.

How are virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) used in the cardiovascular field?

VR and AR are used for education and training in cardiovascular medicine, allowing doctors to practice procedures in a risk-free environment. They're also used in preoperative planning and to help patients understand their conditions and treatments.

How does technology help in the management of heart failure?

Technology aids in managing heart failure through remote patient monitoring devices, which can track vital signs and symptoms. AI can analyze this data to predict exacerbations, allowing for early intervention. Implanted devices like pacemakers and defibrillators also improve heart function and prolong life.

What is the role of genomics in cardiovascular medicine?

Genomics is used in cardiovascular medicine to identify genetic risk factors for heart diseases, improving early detection and prevention. It's also used in precision medicine, where treatments are tailored to the individual's genetic makeup.

How does machine learning contribute to cardiovascular research?

Machine learning, a subset of AI, is used in cardiovascular research to analyze large datasets, identify patterns, and make predictions. It can help identify risk factors, predict patient outcomes, and develop personalized treatment plans.

What is bioengineering's role in the cardiovascular field?

Bioengineering contributes to the cardiovascular field through the development of devices like artificial hearts and heart valves, and wearable technology for monitoring cardiovascular health. It's also involved in creating tissue-engineered blood vessels and exploring the potential of heart regeneration.

What is the importance of big data in cardiovascular care?

Big data provides valuable insights in cardiovascular care. Analysis of large datasets can reveal patterns and trends in heart disease, improving risk assessment, prevention strategies, and treatment outcomes.

How does cloud computing benefit cardiovascular healthcare?

Cloud computing facilitates the storage and sharing of large amounts of patient data. This promotes collaboration among healthcare providers, improves accessibility to patient information, and aids in research.

What is a wireless cardiac monitor?

A wireless cardiac monitor is a device implanted under the skin that continuously monitors heart rhythms and transmits the data wirelessly to the healthcare provider. It allows for long-term heart monitoring and can detect irregular heart rhythms that may not be caught during a routine check-up.

How does technology aid in cardiovascular rehabilitation?

Technology aids in cardiovascular rehabilitation through virtual rehabilitation programs and tele-rehabilitation, allowing patients to engage in guided exercises from home. Wearable devices can monitor progress and motivate patients to adhere to rehabilitation exercises.

What is the future of technology in cardiovascular medicine?

The future of technology in cardiovascular medicine includes advanced AI for disease prediction and management, wider use of telemedicine, more precise robotic surgeries, innovative wearable devices for real-time monitoring, and advancements in genomics and personalized medicine.

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