Photos courtesy of Mayo Clinic
Connected through innovation.
Through extensive research, Mayo Clinic heart experts continually seek new ways of delivering world-class care to people of all ages who are living with heart diseases. Recent advances include the development of wearable devices, allowing doctors to monitor the heart and provide early recognition of serious heart rhythm abnormalities, heart failure, and changes in blood potassium levels. Utilizing data from wearable devices allows doctors to monitor and alert patients when any concerning change is noted, allowing patients to be anywhere in the world and still be connected to their care team.
Prediction can mean prevention.
We’re using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect heart disease before symptoms develop. Our doctors use AI to process data quickly and consistently via algorithms to predict future heart conditions or detect early changes before a person has symptoms. For example, a Mayo Clinic study used AI with a new screening tool for heart failure, known as left ventricular dysfunction, in patients without noticeable symptoms. The AI-assisted screening tool accurately identified people at risk for the condition 93% of the time. This predictive technology helps doctors get ahead of the condition, have proactive discussions with patients, and provide treatment earlier—making all the difference.
Smaller incisions, greater benefits.
Mayo Clinic heart surgeons use cutting-edge technology to provide patients with the best possible outcomes. We use robot-assisted technology to perform minimally invasive heart surgery for several types of heart conditions, including repairing mitral valves. Robot-assisted heart surgery does not replace a surgeon; it is performed with two heart surgeons, one controlling the robotic arms, and a surgeon at the patient’s side, ensuring maximal patient safety with conventional surgical backup if needed. This highly precise tool is an advancement in surgery that benefits patients with smaller incisions, less scarring, less pain, and a shorter hospital stay.
Reaching new frontiers.
Mayo Clinic heart specialists conduct cutting-edge research ranging from new procedures, molecular and cellular therapeutics, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, robotics, and novel device development—which allows us to provide care that wouldn’t have been possible 10 years ago. Recently, pediatric cardiologist Dr. Jason Anderson pioneered a novel catheter-based procedure to stabilize blood flow in infants with congenital heart disease. This development allows some infants to avoid an open-heart surgery in the first weeks of life, establishing a new standard of care for infants with complicated heart needs.
Mayo Clinic’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory leads the development of minimally invasive procedures that save lives and improve the quality of life of patients of all ages. Opening complex coronary artery blockages, repairing or replacing heart valves, and the treatment of structural abnormalities are done through small tubes inserted in an artery or vein. These procedures are now often done without general anesthesia, and remarkably in many cases patients can leave the hospital that same day. Mayo Clinic was a national leader in developing pulmonary balloon angioplasty for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Many patients who were previously short of breath with physical activity are now able to obtain substantial relief and return to their favorite activities.
