Abstract
Artificial intelligence can be employed in many cardiological applications including image analysis, risk assessment, and patient monitoring. In the catheterization laboratory, it can act as a physician assistant, technician, or co-worker. First, by giving voice commands to the operator of the coronary angiography machine, it can ensure that the C-arm moves to the desired angle. It is able to make recommendations for stent size and type based on the analysis of angiography images which is also possible for peripheral and carotid interventions. For transcatheter aortic valve implantation, it can make recommendations for valve placement and size. Artificial intelligence-based image analysis algorithms can be used to support image analysis during catheter laboratory procedures. The challenges include the need for large, high-quality data sets and the development of accurate, reliable, and interpretable artificial intelligence algorithms.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, cardiovascular diseases, interventional cardiology.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be employed in many cardiological applications, including image analysis, risk assessment, and patient monitoring.[1,2] Currently, it is most frequently used in the analysis and interpretation of coronary angiography images. The AI algorithms are utilized to identify abnormalities in images and aid in the diagnosis and treatment.[3,4]
In the catheterization lab, AI can act as a physician assistant, technician, or co-worker. First, by giving voice commands to the operator of the coronary angiography machine, it is ensured that the C-arm moves to the desired angle. Recommendations regarding the angle of the C-arm based on the patient's height, weight, and data can be obtained from AI to obtain better images. The same command system can be also used while adjusting and using the power injector.[3,4]
Artificial intelligence is able to make recommendations for stent size and type based on the analysis of angiography images which is also possible for peripheral and carotid interventions. Additionally, it can provide information about the size and placement of occluder devices when closing atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD) or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). While performing a mitral balloon procedure, it can identify the location of the puncture site on angiography images. This can be also done while applying the MitraClip™ (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA) device and closing the atrial appendix.[5]
For transcatheter aortic valve implantation, AI can make recommendations for valve placement and size. Working with AI in the catheterization lab is similar to working with an assistant who has an incredible amount of data. By providing the necessary information and recommendations, it can reduce the procedural time, radiation exposure, and complication rates.[3,5]
The AI-based image analysis algorithms can be used to support image analysis during catheterization lab procedures.[4,5] It can help in rapid analysis of radiological images and detection of abnormalities, particularly in conditions such as aortic stenosis, aiding in accurate detection of narrowed areas and formulation of treatment plans.[4,5] The AI-powered navigation and intervention planning systems can be used during procedures. In particular, in complex aortic and arrhythmic interventions, AI can use three-dimensional (3D) image data to achieve precise access to tissues. The AI-based navigation systems can assist in accurate catheter guidance and optimization of intervention plans.[4,5] It can analyze clinical data of the patient and provide guidance to cardiologists regarding treatment options.[4] It can also assist in evaluating treatment options, risk prediction, and outcome prognostication, aiding in clinical decision-making processes.[4,5] During arrhythmic interventions, AI can continuously analyze the patient's electrocardiogram data to detect arrhythmias and provide quick alerts to cardiologists for a timely intervention.[4,5]
However, along with the potential benefits of using AI in the field of cardiology, there are some challenges that need to be addressed.[5] These challenges include the need for large, high-quality data sets and the development of accurate, reliable, and interpretable AI algorithms. In this development process, the data of experienced cardiologists and high-volume centers should be grouped by data engineers and loaded into AI to ensure machine learning.
Footnotes
Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.
Author Contributions: Both authors did data collection, drafting, evaluation, writing and final crtical review equally.
Financial Disclosure: The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.
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