Transforming Coronary Artery Disease Care with AI

Published Date: 27/06/2024

A researcher has developed an AI tool to help transform coronary artery disease care by providing personalized treatment recommendations.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of heart disease, affecting 2.6 million Canadians. The buildup of cholesterol deposits and inflammation in the arteries restricts blood flow, oxygen, and nutrient supply to the heart, potentially leading to heart attacks. Treatment options include medications, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass surgery. However, choosing the right treatment can be complex, as each patient's unique characteristics impact the decision. To address this challenge, Dr. Joon Lee, a digital health researcher, has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to help patients and doctors make informed decisions.

The AI technology, named Revaz AI, uses machine learning models to assess a patient's risk of major adverse cardiovascular events based on their individual characteristics and treatment options. The tool will interface with Alberta's digital health record system, Connect Care, to access de-identified patient data, including angiography results, demographic information, and medical history. Dr. Lee co-founded Symbiotic AI to commercialize the technology, which has received nearly $800,000 in funding from the Alberta Innovates AI for Better Health program.

The next stage of development will focus on integrating Revaz AI with Connect Care, designing a user-friendly interface for clinical use, and commercializing the technology. Dr. Lee aims to bring AI to the point of care, where it can make a real difference in patients' lives. According to Dr. James White, director of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute's Precision Medicine Initiative, this technology has the potential to improve care delivery for patients with CAD.

Dr. Lee credits his team for their contributions to the project, which would not have been possible without their expertise. He expects Revaz AI to be ready for a randomized controlled trial following the three-year grant term. Ultimately, the goal is to implement this AI technology in clinical departments, where it can make a tangible impact on patient care.

Dr. Lee's work highlights the potential of AI to transform healthcare by providing personalized treatment recommendations and improving patient outcomes. As the technology continues to evolve, it may one day become an essential tool for clinicians and patients alike.

FAQs:

Q: What is coronary artery disease?

A: Coronary artery disease is a condition where the buildup of cholesterol deposits and inflammation in the arteries restricts blood flow, oxygen, and nutrient supply to the heart, potentially leading to heart attacks.

Q: What is Revaz AI?

A: Revaz AI is an artificial intelligence tool that uses machine learning models to assess a patient's risk of major adverse cardiovascular events based on their individual characteristics and treatment options.

Q: How will Revaz AI be used in clinical practice?

A: Revaz AI will interface with Alberta's digital health record system, Connect Care, to access patient data and provide personalized treatment recommendations to clinicians.

Q: What is the goal of Dr. Lee's project?

A: The goal is to implement Revaz AI in clinical departments, where it can make a tangible impact on patient care and improve patient outcomes.

Q: How long will it take to develop Revaz AI?

A: Dr. Lee expects Revaz AI to be ready for a randomized controlled trial following the three-year grant term.

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