Medtronic using AI to identify more TAVR patients in need
Medtronic has launched a new randomized trial focused on improving patient access to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other key structural heart treatments. The company hopes to overcome longstanding health disparities and reach patients who may otherwise go untreated.
The ALERT study is a collaboration with Tempus, a Chicago-based artificial intelligence (AI) company known for its advanced precision medicine algorithms. Researchers will explore the safety and effectiveness of using electronic health record alerts to identify patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) or moderate to severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR).
Recent data suggest up to 91% of TAVR patients are white, leading to serious concerns that other patient groups with comparable rates of AS and/or MR are missing out on transcatheter treatments they need. Tempus developed its Tempus Next platform with these disparities in mind. The platform includes a series of AI-powered software offerings that evaluate patient data and help care teams identify individuals who may benefit from treatment.
“Through our collaboration with Tempus, we are able to use AI to equip heart teams with a more efficient way to identify patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis,” Nina Goodheart, senior vice president and president of Medtronic’s structural heart & aortic business, said in a statement. “Ultimately, our goal is to provide a pathway to patients who are currently underserved, so they are one step closer to heart valve clinic care and access to lifesaving TAVR treatment.”
“Undertreatment of symptomatic severe AS can be devastating for patients’ recovery and potentially fatal within two years if intervention does not happen,” added Wayne Batchelor, MD, steering committee chair for ALERT and director of the interventional heart program at Inova Health System in Fairfax, Virginia. “The goal of this study is to move towards better solutions for more equitable and timely care and eliminate barriers to treatment.”
ALERT will examine the potential benefits of the Tempus Next platform across multiple sites. The study is fully funded by Medtronic.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.