Get ready for a groundbreaking event that will revolutionize cardiovascular care! The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is taking a giant leap forward with its inaugural Digital & AI Summit, set to unfold in Berlin on November 21-22. This summit promises to be a game-changer, bringing together the brightest minds in cardiology, technology, and healthcare to explore the immense potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in saving lives.
Over two action-packed days, the summit will showcase the latest AI advancements and delve into how digital innovation can propel cardiovascular care to new heights. With 61 sessions packed into the schedule, attendees can expect an immersive experience that covers every angle of this exciting field.
But here's where it gets controversial... The summit's roundtables will tackle some of the most pressing issues surrounding AI integration, including trustworthiness, user-friendliness, regulation, cost, and policy. These discussions will be led by a diverse group of experts, including academic and industry leaders, patient representatives, and policymakers.
Associate Professor Nico Bruining, co-chair of the summit and a renowned expert from Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam, Netherlands, highlights the challenges and opportunities ahead. "Clinical implementation of AI is the final frontier we're striving to reach," he says. "While we've made significant progress with developments, proof-of-concept studies, and early validations, only a handful of AI tools have made it into clinical use. They still need validation, regulatory approval, and financing. Post-market surveillance, ethical safeguards, patient acceptance, and clinician education are equally crucial for successful implementation."
The first roundtable, "Trustworthiness of AI," will feature a talk by Frank Rademakers, Emeritus Professor of Medicine at KU Leuven, Belgium. Professor Rademakers emphasizes the need to evaluate AI tools just like any other diagnostic or therapeutic agent in medicine. "AI software can 'drift' during use and further learn and improve, so continuous evaluation post-market is essential," he explains.
Inga Drossart, representing the ESC Patient Forum in Berlin, Germany, will bring a patient's perspective to the roundtable. She believes AI should enhance human care and connection, not replace it. "When patients are involved in shaping these tools, AI can truly improve care while preserving empathy, communication, and the human touch at the heart of medicine," she says.
The roundtable on "User experience with AI" will include a presentation by David Duncker, Head of the Hannover Heart Rhythm Center, Germany. Duncker highlights the importance of clinician trust in AI for ECG diagnostics. "Ongoing education is key to building this trust by explaining AI technologies and their capabilities and limitations," he explains.
The last roundtable, "Regulations, policies, and economics for AI," will feature Professor Alan Fraser from the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK. Professor Fraser emphasizes the need for precise consideration of each AI application and the importance of risk-based, proportionate regulation. "A scientific framework and detailed standards are lacking, but key requirements must include full transparency of performance in large, independent retest studies that represent the target population," he says.
AI has immense potential in cardiology, but trust, usability, cost, safety, and regulations are critical factors for successful integration into clinical practice. The roundtables at the ESC Digital & AI Summit will delve into these crucial issues, offering insights from a wide range of experts.
Join us at this groundbreaking event and be part of the conversation that will shape the future of cardiovascular care!
Nico Bruining, Associate Professor, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
