Title : Advancing patient cImpact of multidisciplinary heart team collaboration and technology-driven decision-making in modern cardiology
Abstract:
Introduction: Modern cardiovascular care is rapidly evolving toward integrated, multidisciplinary management supported by advanced diagnostic and monitoring technologies. The “Heart Team” model, endorsed by the European Society of Cardiology, promotes collaborative decision-making in patients with complex coronary artery disease and heart failure. Despite its growing adoption, real-world data evaluating the combined impact of team-based care and digital technologies on clinical outcomes remain limited.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess whether a multidisciplinary Heart Team approach combined with technology-guided management improves clinical outcomes compared with standard care pathways.
Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study including 250 patients treated at a Swiss tertiary care center between 2023 and 2024. Patients with complex coronary artery disease or heart failure were managed either through an integrated Heart Team model or conventional care. The multidisciplinary approach involved cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists, and heart failure experts. Technological integration included Fractional Flow Reserve Computed Tomography (FFR-CT), Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), and structured telemonitoring systems for continuous patient assessment.
The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included hospital readmissions and early detection of complications.
Results: Compared to standard care, the integrated Heart Team and technology-driven approach demonstrated a 15% reduction in MACE (HR 0.85; p = 0.032), a 22% reduction in hospital readmissions (p = 0.01), and significantly earlier detection of complications (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Multidisciplinary collaboration combined with advanced imaging and telemonitoring is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. These findings support broader implementation of integrated care models, particularly in high-risk and complex patient populations. Further randomized studies are warranted to validate these results and guide clinical practice.
