Exploring AI-Powered Hemodynamic Monitoring with BD’s HemoSphere Alta

Earlier this year, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) released a new advanced hemodynamic monitoring platform with predictive, artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms. The system can help clinicians to proactively address blood pressure instability and optimize blood flow, in order to help prevent possible life-threatening situations during procedures.

Dubbed HemoSphere Alta, the platform was the first major product launch from the Advanced Patient Monitoring business since its acquisition by BD. According to the company, HemoSphere Alta’s launch moves BD forward in smart, connected care technologies that leverage clinical data and AI to improve patient outcomes and optimize clinical workflows.

In order to gain more insights into HemoSphere Alta and how the hemodynamic monitoring solution is providing clinicians with AI-driven clinical decision support, Medical Product Outsourcing spoke to Prof. Monty Mythen, Senior VP, Medical Affairs at BD Advanced Patient Monitoring.

Sam Brusco: What unmet clinical need is the HemoSphere Alta addressing?

Prof. Monty Mythen: HemoSphere Alta is BD’s most advanced hemodynamic monitoring platform, built to help clinicians proactively address blood pressure instability and optimize blood flow in critical care.

It is designed to address several critical gaps in hemodynamic monitoring by introducing three key innovations. First, it brings in a set of novel physiological variables that provide clinicians with a more comprehensive view of a patient’s cardiovascular status. These include right ventricular cardiac output, Smart Wedge, the Global Hypoperfusion Index (GHI), the Cerebral Autoregulation Index (CAI), and total hemoglobin. Each of these variables offers unique insights that were previously difficult or impossible to capture in real time.

Second, the system enhances how data is displayed and interpreted. For example, clinicians can now view data from both the pulmonary artery catheter and arterial line on a single screen. This allows for simultaneous assessment of both the left and right sides of the heart. We’ve also expanded the number of trend lines that can be displayed—up to ten at once—while preserving a “cockpit view” that lets users toggle between a detailed clinical interface and a simplified dashboard-style layout, depending on their needs.

Finally, HemoSphere Alta introduces voice and gesture control. The system responds to the wake word “Alta,” allowing clinicians to interact with the monitor hands-free. A wake word is a specific word or phrase that activates a voice-controlled device or system. When the device hears this word, it “wakes up” and starts listening for further commands. In the case of HemoSphere Alta, the wake word is “Alta”. For example, a clinician might say, “Alta, show me the latest trend lines,” and the system would respond accordingly. This feature is especially useful in sterile environments where hands-free interaction is necessary. Wake words are commonly used in consumer technology too—like “Alexa” for Amazon devices or “Hey Siri” for Apple products. Gesture control enables simple actions like silencing alarms or changing screens with a wave of the hand. These features are not just novel—they’re practical enhancements that support streamlined workflows and efficiency.

Brusco: What role does predictive artificial intelligence play in hemodynamic monitoring?

Prof. Mythen: Predictive artificial intelligence (AI) plays a central role in how HemoSphere Alta helps clinicians stay ahead of hemodynamic instability. One of our most impactful innovations is the Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI). This algorithm, which has been FDA cleared for over seven years, uses machine learning to analyze the arterial pressure waveform for subtle features that are not visible to the naked eye. When the HPI score exceeds 50, it signals that the patient is at risk of hemodynamic instability—often up to 15 minutes before a hypotensive event occurs.

What makes this tool especially powerful is that it doesn’t just alert clinicians to a problem—it also provides insight into the likely cause. The system helps determine whether the issue is related to preload, afterload, or contractility, and offers guidance on potential interventions. For example, should the patient receive fluids, a vasoconstrictor, or inotropic support?

These insights are presented through what we call “smart trends” and secondary screens, which visualize the patient’s trajectory and help guide timely, targeted interventions. Our latest studies show that clinicians are engaging with these alerts much earlier, and we’re seeing a near elimination of hypotension in some settings and evidence of cost-effectiveness.

Brusco: Why was acquiring Edwards’ critical care business deemed beneficial for BD’s business strategy?

Prof. Mythen: The acquisition of Edwards Lifesciences’ Critical Care business—now BD Advanced Patient Monitoring—was a strategic move that significantly enhances BD’s leadership in smart, connected care. BD Advanced Patient Monitoring is a global leader in advanced monitoring solutions that expands BD’s portfolio with a growing set of leading monitoring technologies, advanced AI-enabled clinical decision tools, and a robust innovation pipeline.

These technologies are often used simultaneously with the BD Alaris Infusion System in the operating room or intensive care units. The combination of BD’s new advanced monitoring and existing infusion platforms enables future innovation opportunities for closed-loop hemodynamic monitoring and IV fluid and medication administration by integrating combined company data sets and interoperability capabilities.