What’s the latest cardiovascular technology in San Diego? Here are some of the most innovative methods used today, or check out Sharp.com. Wearable medical devices that replace traditional Holter monitors and robots follow 3-D images. Keep reading to learn more about these advanced technologies.
Corindus CorPath system cleared by FDA.
The FDA recently approved the Corindus CorPath System, a robotic vascular instrument that allows the interventional cardiologist to place coronary stents, balloon catheters, and guidewires in the heart. The new robotic instrument also features an FDA-cleared lead-lined cockpit for protection against harmful radiation. Additionally, the operator is now seated for a more comfortable view of the angiography screen, reducing fatigue and back strain.
Since its introduction, the Corindus company has gained FDA clearance for its CorPath GRX System, the next generation of the CorPath vascular robotic system. The new device includes significant improvements to the CorPath platform, enhancing workflow, and extending robotic surgery capabilities. The company is now on track to commercialize the CorPath GRX system in the first quarter of 2017.
Wearable medical devices are replacing traditional Holter monitors.
In San Diego, a wearable device called the Zio patch replaces the traditional Holter monitor. This non-invasive, compact, water-resistant device continuously records a patient’s ECG heart data. This data is mailed directly to a cloud-based medical database called iRhythm. In the past, patients have been required to wear a clunky, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful Holter monitor for up to 24 hours.
For years, hospital inpatients have relied on multiparameter patient vital signs monitors to monitor blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiration. However, non-bedridden patients are harder to monitor because they are frequently moving and must be carried around the hospital in bulky monitoring devices. Instead, these wearable devices use wireless sensors to measure skin conductance and movement, allowing doctors to monitor the patient’s overall health while at home or in other locations. In addition to their convenience, these wearables improve patient care and enhance comfort.
Robotic catheter navigation systems
Robotic catheter navigation systems in cardiovascular technology could help doctors perform more complicated procedures without losing patient safety. The physician controls these systems via a joystick that allows for a wide range of motion in any direction. The 3-D representations on the master console enable the operator to see the maneuvers’ results instantly. The 3-D navigation also allows the physician to guide the catheter’s movement in any 3-D perspective, regardless of image orientation. In addition, the system continuously monitors the contact force exerted by the tip of the catheter and prevents advancement if the force exceeds a preset limit.
The robot was able to navigate a catheter to the location of a heart valve leak in half the time that a surgeon would have needed to complete the procedure. This was possible because the robotic catheter used a navigation technique called “wall following” to follow the heart’s anatomy. An optical touch sensor placed at regular intervals helped the robotic catheter develop a mental map of the environment it would navigate. For example, the sensors would detect the presence of blood, a valve, or a heart wall and guide the catheter in the right direction.
Artificial intelligence algorithms
The recent advancement in artificial intelligence in cardiovascular medicine has scientists excited about the potential of AI in this field. This emerging technology has several applications, including predicting the risk of heart failure. Its predictive ability is based on available data, such as ECG and blood pressure readings. Its use in cardiology is particularly timely given the recent COVID-19 pandemic. AI is used to predict outcomes in COVID-19, a test that identifies vital health signs of heart disease. It can also determine the type of medication a patient needs. These applications can improve healthcare efficiency, diagnostic accuracy, and patient care. They are also being used in cardiovascular imaging. This technology can help clinicians identify high-risk patients for various conditions, including angina and fibrillation. These developments could ultimately lead to better patient care and the prevention of heart disease.
