UPMC Central Pa. Pioneers New AI Technology for Treating Complex Aortic Conditions
By: Malini Mattler
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, driving significant advancements in diagnostics, treatment, and patient care. UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa. is leading the way in the region with the implementation of an evidence-based innovation — a unique AI software designed to support the treatment of patients with complex aortic disease, including aortic aneurysms, aortic dissection, aortic stenosis, and aortic valve disease. UPMC is the eighth institution in the U.S. and the first and only institution in Pennsylvania to use this technology as part of this collaborative pilot.
As part of a collaboration between Cydar Medical and Medtronic, this software employs minimally invasive endovascular technology, which generates a 3D map of the patient’s vascular system to assist surgeons with planning before surgery, guiding during surgery, and reviewing after surgery. The platform utilizes AI to update the map throughout the patient’s journey, allowing surgeries to be completed with great accuracy and success. The benefits include improved accuracy, significantly decreased radiation exposure and increased clinician confidence. The Cydar Maps technology also allows clinicians to securely collaborate with centers involved in the patient’s treatment, facilitating the highest level of care to the community.
“At UPMC, we strive to always provide innovative, high-quality care to improve patient outcomes continuously,” said David Loran, M.D., chief of cardiac and vascular surgery at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central PA. “Such technological advancements enable us to identify and treat vascular issues more accurately and efficiently. It’s very exciting to be leading the way in what is seen as the future of aortic surgery.”
The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute employs a team-based strategy, bringing together cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons and cardiologists to help tackle complex diseases that are challenging to manage alone. This technology’s multidisciplinary method enables tailored solutions for unique aortic and endovascular issues that an entire team would have access to.
Aortic disease causes about 10,000 deaths each year in the U.S. Each patient’s condition is unique. An AI image-based guidance program tailors the healthcare team’s approach, resulting in improved and longer-lasting outcomes. By adopting AI technologies whenever possible, healthcare systems can provide more accurate, proactive, and patient-centered care.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, visit UPMC.com/CentralPaHeart.
