Sequoia Hospital cut mortality rates in cardiac surgeries through IBM business analytics

By eGovInnovation Editors | Feb 21, 2011

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CALIFORNIA - US-based Sequoia Hospital has reduced its mortality rate in cardiac surgeries more than 50 percent through the use of IBM predictive analytics software.

By analyzing a cardiac database of more than 10,000 patients, including demographics, types of surgeries, risk factors and outcomes, IBM predictive analytics informs doctors and recommends crucial pre- and postoperative procedures that reduce complications and extend the length and quality of patients' lives.

The use of IBM predictive analytics software supports the latest advancement in evidence-based medicine that integrates and analyzes existing information from various sources, including healthcare databases, medical precedents and real-world medical cases.

Combining this information with an individual patient's condition, medical history and ailments allows Sequoia Hospital doctors to better counsel patients on the best strategy for care at a given point in time.

"IBM predictive analytics is a life-saving technology as it allows us to quickly uncover the intelligence that matters most to allow our surgeons to make the best decision with precision and accuracy," said Audrey Fisher, MPH, director of cardiovascular services at Sequoia Hospital.

Sequoia Hospital performs procedures ranging from stents and catheterizations to valve replacements, angioplasties and coronary bypass surgeries. It uses the software to compile individual patient factors such as age, weight, current state of health, previous surgeries and number of procedures required, and analyzes and compares this data against similar national and local cases.

For example, in a matter of seconds IBM predictive analytics software informs a cardiac surgeon on the risk of mortality for an 80-year-old patient with renal insufficiency that needs an aortic valve replacement.

"IBM predictive analytics software creates real insight into patient care contributing to a smarter healthcare system," said Deepak Advani, vice president of predictive analytics at IBM.