This is an overview of some of the biggest cardiology technology advances. These innovations are covered in more detail in the two-volume set titled "Emerging Technologies in Heart Diseases." These innovative technologies mark the midway of a technological revolution in patient care. Here is a list of 10 noteworthy new cardiac technologies:

1. Miniature Ventricular Assist Device

The emergence of a ventricular assist device (VAD) has revolutionized the care of patients with advanced heart failure. Primarily developed as a bridge to transplantation, the VAD has been shown to prolong life and to improve the quality of life when a donor heart is not found. Older versions required the implantation of a bulky pump and required patients to ambulate with heavy, large external batteries and control units. Yet, several revolutionary improvements in device size, battery reliability, and even wireless charging technologies might make these devices physically unnoticeable in the coming years, and possibly decrease patient susceptibility to infections. In addition, various mechanical modifications and newer modes of operation have limited the rates of hemolysis, thrombosis, and secondary aortic valve insufficiency.

2. Novel Embolic Protection to Prevent Strokes

Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) remains a leading cause of stroke, which in turn may be associated with devastating health consequences and mortality. Yet, oral anticoagulants and left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices may not be appropriate for all patients or may be associated with life-threatening complications. In recent years, novel, device-based technologies for stoke prevention have evolved. Some focused on carotid implants, while newer devices have been designed for continuous embolic filtration at the level of the common aortic pathway. These approaches, which are currently being tested in preclinical studies, might be translated in the near future to treatments available for patients with increased bleeding risks.

3. Organ Conformal Electronics 

Conformal electronics are flexible, stretchy, electronic devices that can diagnose and treat tissue malfunctions. They have high spatiotemporal resolution and are comprised of a system of various sensors and transducers. Conformal electronics assess multiple parameters to monitor and regulate cardiac tissue functions by following the shape of the epicardium or endocardium. The technology of conformal electronics can transform the current model of cardiac diagnostics and therapeutics by enabling the development of new equipment. Also, new minimally invasive methods to access the epicardial tissue are likely to facilitate clinical adoption of this technology.

4. Mitral Valve Modulation and Repair

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVR) technologies are expanding rapidly. They have the potential to become alternatives to surgery for specific patients. TMVR devices can be differentiated according to the portion of the mitral valve they are intended to repair: the leaflet, the annulus, or the chordae, and to remodel the ventricles. To date, early results of novel TMVR technologies seem promising but the long-term sustainability and effectiveness have not been determined. Yet, given the advancements in transcatheter technologies, it is convincible that in the future, mitral regurgitation will be treated mainly using a minimally invasive approach.

This is an overview of some of the biggest cardiology technology advances. These innovations are covered in more detail in the two-volume set titled "Emerging Technologies in Heart Diseases." These innovative technologies mark the midway of a technological revolution in patient care. Here is a list of 10 noteworthy new cardiac technologies:

1. Miniature Ventricular Assist Device

The emergence of a ventricular assist device (VAD) has revolutionized the care of patients with advanced heart failure. Primarily developed as a bridge to transplantation, the VAD has been shown to prolong life and to improve the quality of life when a donor heart is not found. Older versions required the implantation of a bulky pump and required patients to ambulate with heavy, large external batteries and control units. Yet, several revolutionary improvements in device size, battery reliability, and even wireless charging technologies might make these devices physically unnoticeable in the coming years, and possibly decrease patient susceptibility to infections. In addition, various mechanical modifications and newer modes of operation have limited the rates of hemolysis, thrombosis, and secondary aortic valve insufficiency.

2. Novel Embolic Protection to Prevent Strokes

Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) remains a leading cause of stroke, which in turn may be associated with devastating health consequences and mortality. Yet, oral anticoagulants and left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices may not be appropriate for all patients or may be associated with life-threatening complications. In recent years, novel, device-based technologies for stoke prevention have evolved. Some focused on carotid implants, while newer devices have been designed for continuous embolic filtration at the level of the common aortic pathway. These approaches, which are currently being tested in preclinical studies, might be translated in the near future to treatments available for patients with increased bleeding risks.

3. Organ Conformal Electronics 

Conformal electronics are flexible, stretchy, electronic devices that can diagnose and treat tissue malfunctions. They have high spatiotemporal resolution and are comprised of a system of various sensors and transducers. Conformal electronics assess multiple parameters to monitor and regulate cardiac tissue functions by following the shape of the epicardium or endocardium. The technology of conformal electronics can transform the current model of cardiac diagnostics and therapeutics by enabling the development of new equipment. Also, new minimally invasive methods to access the epicardial tissue are likely to facilitate clinical adoption of this technology.

4. Mitral Valve Modulation and Repair

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVR) technologies are expanding rapidly. They have the potential to become alternatives to surgery for specific patients. TMVR devices can be differentiated according to the portion of the mitral valve they are intended to repair: the leaflet, the annulus, or the chordae, and to remodel the ventricles. To date, early results of novel TMVR technologies seem promising but the long-term sustainability and effectiveness have not been determined. Yet, given the advancements in transcatheter technologies, it is convincible that in the future, mitral regurgitation will be treated mainly using a minimally invasive approach.

Media Contact
John Mathews
Journal Manager
Current Trends in Cardiology
Email: cardiologyres@eclinicalsci.com