In a recent announcement, Philips revealed a groundbreaking collaboration with Edwards Lifesciences to introduce a new tool that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist physicians in visualizing and navigating mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) procedures. This innovative technology, named DeviceGuide, enables real-time tracking of the repair device as it traverses through the heart, marking a significant advancement in the application of AI from diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring to aiding clinical decision-making during live procedures.
DeviceGuide has already made its debut in select European markets through a limited release and is currently under review by the Food and Drug Administration for potential approval in the United States. The tool is designed to support physicians in using Edwards’ Pascal and Abbott’s MitraClip TEER devices, which are utilized to repair the mitral valve in patients suffering from mitral regurgitation – a condition where the valve fails to close properly, leading to the backflow of blood into the heart.
Traditionally, physicians rely on X-ray and ultrasound images displayed on multiple screens to guide them through a TEER procedure, requiring them to mentally visualize the location of the treatment device within the anatomy. With DeviceGuide, AI technology seamlessly integrates two-dimensional imaging data, overlaying images of the repair device onto live images of the beating heart to create a unified 3D visual reference visible to all personnel in the operating room. By utilizing ultrasound for soft tissues such as the valve and X-ray for instrument and implant visualization, the AI system accurately tracks the catheter’s movement within the heart chambers, providing clear depth perception and orientation for the medical team.
Atul Gupta, Chief Medical Officer for Diagnosis and Treatment at Philips, emphasized the transformative impact of DeviceGuide, stating that it offers doctors a level of clarity and spatial awareness previously unattainable. The technology streamlines device navigation, reduces procedure time, and facilitates a smoother learning curve for physicians involved in one of the most intricate cardiac interventions.
This collaboration between Philips and Edwards comes on the heels of Siemens Healthineers’ partnership with Boston Scientific to develop and commercialize a next-generation intracardiac echocardiography catheter for structural heart procedures. Additionally, GE HealthCare and Volta Medical have joined forces to integrate Volta’s AI technology with GE HealthCare’s electrophysiology recording system, enhancing navigation during ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation treatment.
The convergence of AI and medical imaging technologies represents a significant leap forward in enhancing the precision, efficiency, and outcomes of complex cardiac interventions, underscoring the industry’s commitment to advancing patient care through innovation. Stay tuned for further updates on these groundbreaking collaborations shaping the future of cardiovascular healthcare.
