Can AI-driven tech make heart diseases preventable?

New Delhi: As
cardiovascular disease
continues to top the global chart of chronic illnesses, technology is emerging as the most powerful ally in combating it. In a conversation with Dr.
Ethan Korngold
, Divisional Vice President Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for Abbott's vascular business, we explore how artificial intelligence (AI),
minimally invasive devices
, and digital health are reshaping cardiovascular care—from high-tech cath labs to underserved rural India.
The Rise of Smart Heart Care
'Heart care is moving fast—and we're moving with it,' says Dr. Korngold. Abbott's Ultreon 2.0, an AI-enhanced imaging platform that uses Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to offer 20 times magnification over standard angiograms. This ultra-HD view lets cardiologists measure artery size, assess blockages, and determine plaque composition—rapidly and accurately.
'With Ultreon, decision-making in the cath lab is more precise and faster,' explains Dr. Korngold. 'It's like shifting from blurry black-and-white to crystal-clear, color-rich imaging. The AI processes data in real-time, helping doctors place stents with pinpoint precision and improve patient outcomes.'
The promise of AI in cardiovascular care isn't limited to imaging. Abbott is already piloting Virtual Flow Reserve (VFR), a cutting-edge technology that will use AI to estimate the severity of blockages by analyzing blood flow dynamics—non-invasively. This could significantly reduce unnecessary procedures by helping physicians target the most critical lesions.
Abbott's MitraClip has revolutionized how leaky heart valves are treated. Delivered via a vein rather than through open-heart surgery, MitraClip is a lifeline for patients deemed too high-risk for traditional operations. 'It restores quality of life with minimal recovery time,' Dr. Korngold notes.
Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder—a device no larger than a pea that helps close a life-threatening heart defect (patent ductus arteriosus) in premature infants weighing as little as 700 grams. 'This is one of the tiniest devices with one of the biggest impacts,' he says.
Tackling Complex Heart Cases
Dr. Korngold sees a future where AI can predict blockages before they form, allowing doctors to prevent heart attacks before patients feel a single symptom.
Abbott's
XIENCE Sierra
, part of its flagship drug-eluting stent family, is built for complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. Its adaptive design and unique fluoropolymer coating make it easier to navigate tortuous arteries and reduce risks of clotting and restenosis.
'XIENCE Sierra gives doctors the flexibility and control they need in difficult cases, with long-term performance,' explains Dr. Korngold.
For heavily calcified arteries, Abbott's acquisition of Cardiovascular Systems Inc. (CSI) brought in the Diamondback 360 Orbital Atherectomy System. Using a diamond-coated crown, this system gently sands away hardened plaque, making vessels more compliant and easier to treat with stents or balloons. 'It's a key tool in our arsenal for treating high-risk patients who need precision and safety,' he adds.
Reaching Rural India
One of the most exciting opportunities lies beyond hospitals. In remote and underserved areas, virtual care is bridging the healthcare divide. The smart implantable devices—pacemakers and heart monitors—can now transmit data wirelessly to physicians, enabling remote monitoring and treatment adjustments.
'Patients no longer need to travel miles for routine follow-ups,' says Dr. Korngold. 'We're building scalable, connected care ecosystems that empower both patients and providers—especially in resource-constrained settings.' AI and digital health are set to redefine every stage of cardiovascular care—from early risk detection to
remote patient monitoring
and precision-guided interventions.

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