Early adult mortality 70% higher than expected by 2023; surgical robot enhances clinician precision, control and safety; AI can detect congenital heart defects in prenatal ultrasounds – Morning Medical Update

Early adult mortality in U.S. surged 70% over expected levels by 2023

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that U.S. adult aged 25-44 experienced a 70% higher mortality rate in 2023 than expected based on pre-2011 trends, amounting to over 71,000 excess deaths. Mortality rose in two phases: before 2020 and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with drug overdoses, traffic accidents, alcohol-related deaths and homicide as major contributors. Although excess mortality declined after peak pandemic years, it remained well above pre-pandemic levels, raising concerns about long-term health risks and the need for targeted policy interventions.

Surgical robot enhances precision, control and safety

Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah has introduced two state-of-the-art da Vinci 5 robotic surgical systems, enhancing precision and efficiency in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The technology, which provides real-time feedback and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics, allows surgeons to perform complex operations with greater control and improved patient outcomes.

Brian Mitzman, MD, MS, FACS, FCCP, director of robotic surgery, called the system “a significant leap forward in robotic surgery.”

AI can detect congenital heart defects in prenatal ultrasounds

A new study, presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual meeting, reveals that AI-based software significantly improves clinicians’ ability to detect congenital heart defects during prenatal ultrasounds. Researchers determined that AI-assisted analysis enhanced detection rates regardless of a physician’s experience level, while also reducing the time needed to identify suspicious cases.

Jennifer Lam-Rachlin, MD, the study’s lead author and a maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist, emphasized the potential impact on neonatal outcomes, as early detection is critical. The AI software, developed by BrightHeart, received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance in late 2024, marking a promising advancement in prenatal care.