Fernando Pozo -Chief Operating Officer of Spika Tech– is pioneering a transformation in cardiac healthcare through the innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. Based in Madrid, Spika Tech has emerged as a beacon of innovation within the tech community, having been awarded the prestigious EIC Accelerator grant by the European Union. This accolade was in recognition of their groundbreaking project, VR-Cardio, aimed at redefining the diagnosis, visualization and treatment of heart arrhythmias.
The essence of VR-Cardio lies in its advanced medical tool that offers a comprehensive representation of cardiac activity. Fernando explains, “the core of the project is based on an intelligent data decision system using machine learning techniques, virtual reality and augmented reality technologies”. This integrated approach not only enhances fibrillation detection but also significantly reduces the costs and risks associated with conventional, more invasive methods.
Under the auspices of the EIC Accelerator program, Spika Tech’s solution has undergone pre-clinical testing in several Spanish hospitals and has garnered national and international recognition. This success underscores Spika Tech’s commitment to innovation, effective implementation, and the potential to revolutionize cardiac healthcare diagnosis, alongside fostering advancements in education and research in this domain.
Fernando highlights the importance of understanding regulatory frameworks and the necessity of working with standardized, securely shared data to ensure the effectiveness and scalability of their solution. He also stresses the critical role of education and training in equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge to leverage AI technology effectively in a clinical setting.
A multidisciplinary approach has been pivotal to the development and successful implementation of VR-Cardio. Collaboration with clinicians, data scientists, technology experts and universities has accelerated innovation and facilitated the practical application of AI in healthcare. Fernando notes, “it’s also important to recognize the role of funding and public engagement. The success of VR-Cardio in this field could not be possible without our cross-sector partnerships, which brought together expertise from healthcare, technology, data science design, but also from academia to our final product.”
These collaborative efforts have been instrumental in creating a comprehensive AI solution capable of addressing the complexities of healthcare challenges today. Through the vision and leadership of Fernando and the innovative work of Spika Tech, the future of cardiac care is set on a path of significant transformation, promising better diagnostics, treatment, and patient outcomes in the realm of cardiac arrhythmias.