Johns Hopkins creates digital twin heart for ventricular tachycardia treatment
Johns Hopkins researchers have built a digital twin of the human heart, a super-accurate virtual model, to help doctors treat ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening heart rhythm issue.
With this technology, doctors can test out treatments on the virtual heart before operating for real.
The US Food and Drug Administration allowed the digital twin technology to guide treatment for 10 patients in a small trial, making this a big step forward in cardiac care.
Ten-patient study shows promising outcomes
In a small study with 10 patients, eight stayed free from arrhythmia for over a year, better than usual results, and most were able to stop their medications.
By targeting only the problem spots in the heart, doctors can avoid extra damage and possibly speed up procedures.
The team has begun a trial using it to treat atrial fibrillation, and other researchers are studying digital twins for cancer care.
We could potentially make these procedures shorter, safer, more effective.