Digital Transformation

This evolution of healthcare involves using technology to improve diagnosis, treatments, monitor patients, enhance hospital operations and culture, and bolster consumer-focused care. This includes virtual reality tools, wearable devices, workflow software, health apps and other digital health tools.

AI in the ICU (and elsewhere): Less stress, better conditions, alleviated shortages
When appropriately applied in critical care settings, AI can deliver considerable value to clinical staff, hospital management and local communities. In the process the technology may help resolve persistent staffing shortages.
4 ways HHS plans to help shape a national strategy for healthcare AI
HHS has thought through the ways AI can and should become an integral part of healthcare, human services and public health. Last Friday—possibly just days ahead of seating a new secretary—the agency released a detailed plan for getting there from here.
Forging ahead with enterprise AI? Don’t wait to bring in your cybersecurity people
Close to half the world’s cybersecurity professionals, 45%, have zero involvement in projects within their respective organizations to develop, implement and govern AI solutions.
FDA to hopeful marketers of AI-equipped medical devices: Think beyond your initial approval
Some FDA-approved medical devices age more safely than others. That’s no less true of AI-enabled technologies than of any others. The agency spells out the ramifications in draft guidance issued this week.
5 healthcare AI predictions for 2025 from Wolters Kluwer Health
Watch for healthcare AI to increase its footprint in the patient-safety domain over the coming year.

Irish stent startup nets $17M in financing round

Cappella has completed a $17.3 million series C investment, led by new investors, Fountain Healthcare Partners and Mitsui Venture Partners. Enterprise Ireland also participated in the round alongside Cappella's existing investors, Polytechnos Partners and ACT Venture Capital.

June 17, 2009

Senate begins healthcare reform roll out

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, led by Chairman Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., introduced legislation this week advocating for more government involvement in healthcare coverage. The bill is certain to launch a drawn-out debate over the current delivery direction of healthcare in the United States when it is introduced on the Senate floor in July.

June 11, 2009

Circulation: DES are safe, effective for elderly CAD patients

Stents coated with paclitaxel (Taxus from Boston Scientific) may be a safe, effective treatment option for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients age 70 and older, and should not be withheld due to advanced patient age, according to a study reported in the June 2 issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.

June 8, 2009

Around the web

AI in Healthcare

4 ways HHS plans to help shape a national strategy for healthcare AI

HHS has thought through the ways AI can and should become an integral part of healthcare, human services and public health. Last Friday—possibly just days ahead of seating a new secretary—the agency released a detailed plan for getting there from here.

Cardiovascular Business

FDA announces recall after Philips heart monitor software failed to send alerts—multiple deaths reported

Philips is recalling the software associated with its Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry devices after certain high-risk ECG events were never routed to trained cardiology technicians as intended. The issue, which lasted for two years, has been linked to more than 100 injuries.

Cardiovascular Business

Why electrophysiologists needed a champion in Washington

Heart Rhythm Society President Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD, detailed a new advocacy group focused on improving EP reimbursements, patient care and access. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu," he said.