Q&A with Dr. Michael Shehata and Devon Bream on transforming cardiac care and interventional labs.
The field of cardiac electrophysiology is evolving rapidly, with innovations that promise to reshape how arrhythmias are diagnosed and treated. In his article, “The Electrophysiology Lab of the Future,” published in
The Journal of Innovation in Cardiac Rhythm Management, Dr. Michael Shehata outlines a bold vision for the next generation of EP labs. HCB News sat down with Dr. Shehata to explore his insights, and also interviewed Devon Bream, of Barco Healthcare, to discuss how the Barco Nexxis platform is supporting this transformation and to hear Barco’s perspective on the future of interventional labs.
Electrophysiology (EP) labs are at the heart of cardiac rhythm management, offering advanced diagnostics and therapies for patients with arrhythmias. As technology progresses, these labs are poised to become more integrated, efficient, and patient-centered. Dr. Shehata’s article has sparked widespread interest among healthcare professionals, highlighting key innovations and the potential for improved patient outcomes. Meanwhile, platforms like Barco Nexxis are bringing cutting-edge connectivity and visualization to interventional labs, aligning technology with clinical needs.
Here is our discussion with Dr. Shehata, followed below by our chat with Devon.
HCB News: What inspired you to write “The Electrophysiology Lab of the Future”?
Dr. Michael Shehata: The inspiration came from the rapid pace of technological advancement in cardiac care. I saw an opportunity to imagine how these innovations could converge to create a lab environment that not only improves workflow and efficiency but also enhances patient safety and outcomes. My goal was to encourage stakeholders to think beyond incremental improvements and envision a holistic transformation of the EP lab.
HCB News: What are the key features of your vision for the EP lab of the future?
MS: At the core, I envision an EP lab that is highly integrated, intelligent, and adaptable. Integration means seamless communication between devices, imaging systems, and electronic health records. Intelligence involves real-time analytics and decision-support tools powered by AI, helping clinicians make more informed choices. Adaptability refers to modular designs that can accommodate new technologies without major overhauls. Ultimately, the lab should be a space where clinicians can focus on patient care, not technical hurdles.
HCB News: How will these innovations impact patient care?
MS: Patients will benefit from more accurate diagnostics, faster procedures, and reduced risks. For instance, integrated imaging and mapping systems can help identify arrhythmias with greater precision, while AI-driven tools can predict complications or optimize ablation strategies. Enhanced workflow means less time under anesthesia and fewer delays. It’s about making the lab safer, more effective, and more comfortable for patients.
HCB News: What role do data and connectivity play in your vision?
MS: Data is the backbone of modern medicine. In the EP lab, connectivity enables real-time sharing of information between systems, clinicians, and even remote experts. This facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration and supports telemedicine, which is increasingly important. Secure, high-speed connectivity ensures that critical data flows without interruption, supporting both clinical decision-making and research.
HCB News: What are the biggest challenges to realizing this vision?
MS: The main challenges are interoperability, cost, and change management. Many labs use equipment from different vendors, and integrating these systems can be complex. Cost is always a factor, especially for smaller institutions. Finally, change management is crucial—clinicians must be trained and comfortable with new workflows. Success requires collaboration between technology providers, clinicians, and administrators.
HCB News: How do you see the role of platforms like Barco Nexxis in the EP lab of the future?
MS: Platforms like Barco Nexxis are essential for integration and visualization. They enable clinicians to access and manipulate images, videos, and data from multiple sources in real time. This not only streamlines workflow but also supports precision medicine by providing a comprehensive view of the patient’s condition. Such platforms are the connective tissue of the modern lab, helping to realize my vision.
HCB News: What advice would you give to healthcare leaders considering investing in future-ready EP labs?
MS: Start with a clear understanding of your clinical needs and workflow challenges. Engage stakeholders - including clinicians, IT specialists, and administrators—in the planning process. Look for solutions that are scalable and interoperable. And don’t forget the importance of training and ongoing support. The investment is significant, but the potential benefits for patient care and operational efficiency make it worthwhile.
Here is our interview with Barco Healthcare’s Devon Bream, discussing how Barco Nexxis is supporting the vision laid out for the EP lab of the future.
HCB News: Devon, can you explain what the Barco Nexxis platform is and how it supports the vision described by Dr. Shehata?
Devon Bream: Barco Nexxis is a medical video integration platform designed for interventional labs, including EP labs. It provides clinicians with real-time access to images and video from multiple sources—such as fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and mapping systems—on a single interface. Nexxis supports Dr. Shehata’s vision by enabling seamless connectivity, improving workflow, and supporting multidisciplinary collaboration. It’s about empowering clinicians with the information they need, when they need it.
HCB News: What specific features of Nexxis align with the future EP lab Dr. Shehata describes?
DB: Nexxis offers high-definition video distribution, flexible routing, and secure network integration. Clinicians can customize their displays to fit their workflow, whether they’re monitoring vitals, reviewing imaging, or consulting with colleagues remotely. The platform is scalable, so it can grow as the lab’s needs evolve. We also prioritize cybersecurity and data privacy, which are critical in today’s healthcare environment. Additionally, Nexxis has a new AI computing platform to allow emerging AI applications to be hosted on an edge-based point of care platform. This new addition to the Nexxis platform will assist hospitals in providing a single access platform versus deploying numerous singular application solution computers.
HCB News: How does Nexxis improve workflow and efficiency in interventional labs?
DB: Efficiency is achieved through centralization and automation. Nexxis eliminates the need to manually switch between devices or screens, which reduces distractions and potential errors. Everything is accessible from a single point, so clinicians can focus on the patient rather than the technology. The platform also supports remote collaboration, allowing experts to participate in procedures without being physically present. This enhances both speed and quality of care.
HCB News: What are the challenges Barco faces in implementing Nexxis in diverse lab environments?
DB: Every hospital is unique, with its own mix of equipment and workflows. Our challenge is to ensure Nexxis integrates smoothly with existing systems and meets the needs of clinicians. We work closely with customers to understand their requirements and tailor our solutions. Training and support are also vital—technology is only as good as the people using it. We’re committed to making the transition as seamless as possible.
HCB News: How does Barco view the future of interventional labs beyond EP?
DB: We see interventional labs becoming increasingly interconnected and intelligent. Advances in data analytics, AI, and telemedicine will drive new capabilities. Our goal is to provide platforms that support these innovations, enabling clinicians to deliver personalized, high-quality care. We’re focused on interoperability, scalability, and user experience—ensuring our solutions are ready for whatever the future brings.
HCB News: What advice would you give to hospitals considering upgrading their labs?
DB: As Dr. Shehata stated, I also suggest is to start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Involve all stakeholders, including clinicians, IT, and management. Look for platforms that offer flexibility and integration, so you’re not locked into a single vendor or technology. And prioritize user training and support—these are key to successful adoption. The right investment can transform patient care and operational efficiency.
Moving together toward a brighter future
The future of electrophysiology and interventional labs is bright, driven by visionary leaders and innovative technology. Dr. Michael Shehata’s vision, as outlined in “The Electrophysiology Lab of the Future,” emphasizes integration, intelligence, and adaptability as pillars of tomorrow’s lab. Platforms like Barco Nexxis are already making this vision a reality, providing clinicians with the tools they need to deliver exceptional care. As hospitals and healthcare professionals embrace these advancements, the focus remains on improving patient outcomes, streamlining workflow, and ensuring that technology serves clinical needs. The journey is just beginning, but the destination promises to revolutionize cardiac rhythm management and interventional medicine.
