Mayo Clinic develops AI to aid Afib care

Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic has developed an artificial intelligence algorithm to identify patients with atrial fibrillation more likely to benefit from left atrial appendage occlusion than direct oral anticoagulants.

Researchers analyzed 744,190 adult patients treated between March 13, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2019. Forty percent were female, and the mean age was 76.8 years.

Thirty percent of patients were likely to benefit from left atrial appendage occlusion, 69.7% had a neutral response and 1.4% were potentially harmed. Older patients with higher comorbidity burdens were more likely to see benefits, according to an Aug. 16 news release.

Worldwide, 33.5 million people have atrial fibrillation, which carries a fivefold higher stroke risk. Direct oral anticoagulants are standard therapy but increase bleeding risk and pose adherence challenges. Left atrial appendage occlusion offers an alternative, though referral criteria remain uncertain, according to the release.

Researchers plan to validate the tool in prospective studies and refine the model with additional data to support clinical decision-making nationwide.

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