UVA Health researchers have unveiled a risk assessment tool designed to revolutionize care for heart failure patients.

Leveraging the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the tool, named CARNA, offers clinicians a powerful method for predicting patient-specific outcomes and tailoring therapies accordingly.

"Heart failure is a complex condition with varying degrees of risk among patients. Identifying these risks is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and improving outcomes," explained Dr. Sula Mazimba, MD, a heart failure expert at UVA Health. "CARNA promises to provide clinicians with invaluable insights to personalize care for each patient."

Heart failure affects millions of Americans and is projected to increase significantly by 2030. Recognizing the need for more effective risk assessment tools, UVA researchers developed CARNA using anonymized data from thousands of heart failure patients enrolled in clinical trials. The tool outperformed existing predictors, offering enhanced accuracy in determining outcomes such as the need for surgery or transplant, risk of rehospitalization, and mortality.

According to researcher Josephine Lamp from the University of Virginia School of Engineering, CARNA's success lies in its ability to process complex datasets and make decisions even in the presence of missing or conflicting information. Lamp emphasized that the tool streamlines risk factor analysis, enabling clinicians to make informed treatment decisions efficiently.

Dr. Kenneth Bilchick, a cardiologist at UVA Health, underscored the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing patient care through AI. "Integrating expertise from clinical medicine, computer science, data science, and statistics is crucial for harnessing the potential of AI in healthcare," noted Bilchick.

With CARNA, UVA Health aims to usher in a new era of personalized heart failure care, empowering clinicians to deliver tailored treatments and improve patient outcomes. The tool's availability for free to clinicians underscores the institution's commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation and collaboration.