Cardiac | Heart of the future: Navigating the next frontier in cardiac innovation
Tracks
Rm 9 | Virtual
Cardiac
National Keynote
Paediatrics
PoCUS
Prof Topics
| Saturday, May 30, 2026 |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Rm 9 | First Floor |
Speaker
Ms Cathy West
Cardiac Sonographer
Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital
Robotics
11:00 AM - 11:20 AMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
There's no doubt that the world in general is becoming increasingly automated and we've seen the proliferation of both AI & robotics outside the ultrasound sector. This presentation will provide some food for thought on how these elements have the potential to help to resolve some of the big-ticket challenges experienced in ultrasound.
Biography
Ms Cathy West |
Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital
Cathy is a cardiac sonographer accredited in adult and congenital echocardiography with international experience in the clinical, education and management aspects of the field. She has served on Boards of Directors for professional societies in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States and is passionate about delivering high quality echo services.
Assoc Prof Sandhir Prasad
Clinical Lead in Echocardiography
RBWH
Machine learning and AI with echo data to predict outcomes following MI
11:20 AM - 11:40 AMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
In the era of artificial intelligence and machine learning, this talk will cover how echocardiographic parameters can be used in sophisticated models to predict outcomes in patients following myocardial infarction. A comparison with current practices and standards will be presented.
Biography
Assoc Prof Sandhir B Prasad |
RBWH
A/Prof Sandhir B Prasadis a senior staff cardiologist and clinical lead in echocardiography at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. He is a Monash medical graduate, completed his training in cardiology at Wellington Hospital (NZ), and then completed research and clinical fellowships at Westmead Hospital (Sydney), MonashHeart (Melbourne) and Princess Alexandra Hospital (Brisbane). He has been awarded research fellowships from the National Heart Foundation (NZ), Centres of Health Research (Qld) and Metro North (Clinician Research Fellowship). He is the recipient of Awards of Excellence from ASUM (Australasian Sonologist of the Year) and Metro North Hospital and Health Service (Clinical Research Award). His PhD focussed on the pathophysiology of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction with publications in JASE, Heart and JACC: CV Imaging. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland and Griffith University. He is the current president of the Queensland branch of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Alex Kaethner
Director / Cardiac Physiologist
Strong Hearts
The future of rheumatic heart disease
11:40 AM - 12:00 PMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in underserved and remote populations, where access to timely diagnosis is limited. This presentation explores the evolving future of RHD detection, with a particular focus on the role of novel echocardiographic techniques in improving early diagnosis in resource-constrained settings.
Advances in portable and handheld echocardiography have transformed the feasibility of delivering cardiac imaging in remote communities. These technologies, combined with simplified imaging protocols, enable high-quality screening outside of traditional healthcare environments. The presentation highlights emerging techniques such as focused cardiac ultrasound, automated image interpretation, and the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduce operator dependency.
A key emphasis is placed on the early identification of subclinical RHD, where echocardiographic changes precede clinical symptoms. Detecting disease at this stage provides a critical opportunity for early intervention, including secondary prophylaxis, which can halt disease progression and improve long-term outcomes.
The presentation also addresses the importance of culturally appropriate service delivery, workforce training, and partnerships with local health organisations to ensure sustainable implementation. By combining technological innovation with community-focused care models, these approaches aim to bridge the gap in cardiovascular health equity.
Ultimately, the future of RHD lies in scalable, accessible, and precise diagnostic strategies. Novel echocardiographic techniques have the potential to redefine screening programs and significantly reduce the global burden of this preventable disease.
Advances in portable and handheld echocardiography have transformed the feasibility of delivering cardiac imaging in remote communities. These technologies, combined with simplified imaging protocols, enable high-quality screening outside of traditional healthcare environments. The presentation highlights emerging techniques such as focused cardiac ultrasound, automated image interpretation, and the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduce operator dependency.
A key emphasis is placed on the early identification of subclinical RHD, where echocardiographic changes precede clinical symptoms. Detecting disease at this stage provides a critical opportunity for early intervention, including secondary prophylaxis, which can halt disease progression and improve long-term outcomes.
The presentation also addresses the importance of culturally appropriate service delivery, workforce training, and partnerships with local health organisations to ensure sustainable implementation. By combining technological innovation with community-focused care models, these approaches aim to bridge the gap in cardiovascular health equity.
Ultimately, the future of RHD lies in scalable, accessible, and precise diagnostic strategies. Novel echocardiographic techniques have the potential to redefine screening programs and significantly reduce the global burden of this preventable disease.
Biography
Mr Alex Kaethner |
Strong Hearts
Alex is an experienced Cardiac Physiologist with a passion for quality cardiac care and improving accessibility in healthcare for those who need it most. He has been working as a Cardiac Sonographer for 18 years and in the Northern Territory for the past 15.
As well as his clinical and managerial roles, he has contributed to many research projects within Australia, Timor-Leste and across the Pacific focusing on early detection of Rheumatic Heart Disease.
