Advancing AI models for Atrial Fibrillation-Related Stroke in Europe

Isansys to play crucial role in major European project to develop novel personalised AI models (virtual twins) and decision support tools for atrial fibrillation related stroke

Isansys Lifecare, a world leader in real-time patient data acquisition and analysis platforms and remote patient monitoring solutions, is playing a pivotal role in a €10 million project on data science-enabled healthcare.

Spearheaded by Liverpool John Moores University and supported by a €10 million grant from the European Union’s Horizon program and the UK Research and Innovation, the TARGET project brings together clinical teams, data scientists, physiotherapists, machine learning experts, human factors specialists, patient groups and medical technologists to address a major healthcare challenge that is amongst the commonest causes of death and the leading cause of disability in Europe.

At the heart of the TARGET project is the creation of personalised machine learning (AI) models and decision-support tools for people at risk of stroke due to atrial fibrillation (AF) a common but often “silent” heart problem. Since those with AF have a significantly increased risk of ischaemic stroke, TARGET will address three pillars of the stroke pathway: (i) diagnosis, with the objective of being able to predict the onset of AF and therefore prevent the occurrence of AF– related stroke in the first place; (ii) clinical management if a patient has had a stroke and (iii) rehabilitation, providing personalised, recovery programs including gamification and other digital support tools.

Isansys (Berlin and Oxford) will supply its ground-breaking Patient Status Engine (PSE) patient data acquisition and analysis systems initially to three collaborating hospital sites, who will collect the ultra-high resolution real-time data from stroke patients involved in the studies. This real-world data will be vital for verifying the risk prediction models developed by the project’s various modelling groups.

Isansys will also integrate the risk prediction models into the PSE, offering them as apps for use by healthcare professionals and patients in each pillar of the stroke pathway.

Furthermore, Isansys will oversee the regulatory aspects of the project, ensuring alignment with best practices and standards. This effort will help expedite the path to final clinical validation and regulatory approval, making it quicker to obtain CE marking and subsequent full commercial deployment by hospitals, care teams and patients themselves.

Dr Sandra Ortega, Project Leader and Reader in Data Science at Liverpool John Moores University, said: “TARGET will shape cutting-edge virtual twins and AI technologies to develop reliable and personalised models for the benefit and well-being of AF and stroke patients.

These novel AI-based models will further enhance our understanding (causality) of the drivers of disease onset and their impact on disease progression, at the level of the individual, facilitating the exploration and validation of treatments tailored to each patient. TARGET will pave the way to deliver optimised clinical decision-making and rehabilitation strategies for the AF and stroke patient journey, superior to the current standard of care.”

Dominic Hillerkuss, Business Development Manager for Isansys Lifecare Europe GmbH, said: “We are delighted to be participating in this vitally important project. It is a great privilege to be working with the exceptional individuals and organisations in the TARGET consortium to develop new tools and methods that will reduce the dire effects of AF related stroke on individuals, their families and healthcare organisations throughout Europe. Our technology and the real-world data it provides are not only key enablers for the development of the digital twins and predictive models, but will enable thousands of individuals in the future to lead better and healthier lives.”

The TARGET project, with its strong emphasis on data science and individualised patient care, marks significant progress toward more efficient and effective healthcare for individuals at risk of stroke due to atrial fibrillation. Isansys’ involvement underscores its commitment to advancing healthcare through pioneering solutions.

TARGET is Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.