How tech is transforming healthcare

Abbott Chief Information Officer Sabina Ewing shares insight on our leadership during an unprecedented tech convergence.

Technology is entering one of the most transformative moments in modern history. Tools like cloud computing, data systems, software, cybersecurity, and now artificial intelligence (AI), are converging and reshaping how industries operate at every level. Healthcare, where the stakes are uniquely high, is right at the center of this shift. From more precise diagnostics tools to connected medical devices and smarter enterprise systems, technology is rapidly expanding what is possible in healthcare.

At Abbott, the moment isn’t viewed as a trend to react to, but an opportunity to lead with purpose. At the helm of Abbott’s technological transformation is Sabina Ewing, senior vice president, business and technology services and chief information officer. Like our peers, Abbott is guided by the principles of trust, fairness, safety and transparency when adopting new technology. But Ewing says there’s another guiding value that distinguishes Abbott: impact.

“It goes back to the mission Abbott has always had: How are we helping people live life to the fullest?” Ewing says.

How AI already powers Abbott’s products and platforms

As the healthcare landscape accelerates into an AI-driven era, Abbott is shaping that future with an approach rooted in discipline and measurable human impact. First, Ewing notes AI isn’t new to Abbott.

“We’ve been in the AI business for over a decade,” she says. “(FreeStyle) Libre uses algorithmic AI to help people understand their glucose.”

We’ve also deployed predictive algorithms in core diagnostics to anticipate instrument maintenance and reduce downtime. In our Cardiovascular business, Ultreon software, launched in 2021, leverages imaging AI to guide optimal stent placement and procedural decisions. And the Assert-IQ insertable cardiac monitor system uses AI to more accurately classify atrial fibrillation and pauses in heart rhythm, significantly reducing the data burden for clinicians.

On the consumer side, we recently launched Libre Assist—a generative AI capability that uses image recognition to translate a photo of a meal into macro insights and suggested eating order based on likely glucose impact. These AI-powered innovations create value by improving care, reducing costs and strengthening Abbott’s competitive position in high-growth markets.

Abbott’s innovation isn’t limited to products. Internally, we’ve built a secure AI environment across platforms so we can provide massive computing power at enterprise scale. This foundation empowers teams to leverage powerful tools while safeguarding Abbott’s data and systems.

Ewing’s take on the tech trends that will transform healthcare

What does Ewing—with decades of industry experience—foresee on the horizon for technology’s evolving role in healthcare?

She believes technology will continue to improve outcomes in medical procedures. In the near term, she anticipates that generative AI will streamline workflows for healthcare providers, potentially reducing burnout and labor shortages.

 “Even if AI can get someone two hours back in their workday—it’s really important to think about that implication,” Ewing says.

For patients, Ewing sees the rise of “human-empowered healthcare.” She predicts people will have increasing access to tools and information that help them have better conversations with their doctors and take control of their own care.

The long-term strategy guiding Abbott’s tech investments

How will Ewing lead Abbott into the future of technology? She and her team are playing a long game to ensure that Abbott is positioned to continue helping people live healthier lives for generations to come.

“My role at Abbott is like a leg in a relay race,” she says. “I’m running this stretch with an eye on positioning Abbott for success in the next 100 years.”

Ewing says Abbott’s edge comes from being disciplined. Instead of chasing every shiny bauble in a crowded tech arena, leadership has identified “lighthouses”—high-impact opportunities where new technology delivers results even as it evolves.

“We are very deliberate about how we deploy the resources of the organization to measurably have impact, especially when we think of our stakeholders,” Ewing says. “We recognize the promise of gen AI, but it has to go through a maturity cycle.”

Important safety information

FreeStyle Libre Systems

Failure to use FreeStyle Libre systems as instructed in labeling may result in missing a severe low or high glucose event and/or making a treatment decision, resulting in injury. If glucose reading and alarms (if enabled) do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

OPTIS™ and OPTIS™ Next Imaging Systems and Software

Rx Only

INDICATIONS

Applies to OPTIS™ Imaging Systems and Software

The OPTIS™ Software and AptiVue™ E Series Software are intended to be used only with compatible OPTIS™ Imaging Systems.

The OPTIS™ Imaging Systems with a compatible Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter are intended for the imaging of coronary arteries and is indicated in patients who are candidates for transluminal interventional procedures. The compatible Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters are intended for use in vessels 2.0 to 3.5 mm in diameter. The compatible Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters are not intended for use in the left main coronary artery or in a target vessel which has undergone a previous bypass procedure.

The OPTIS™ Imaging Systems are intended for use in the catheterization and related cardiovascular specialty laboratories and will further compute and display various physiological parameters based on the output from one or more electrodes, transducers, or measuring devices. The physician may use the acquired physiological parameters, along with knowledge of patient history, medical expertise and clinical judgment to determine if therapeutic intervention is indicated.

Applies to OPTIS™ Next Imaging Systems and Software

The Ultreon™ 1.0 Software and Ultreon™ 2.0 Software are intended to be used only with compatible OPTIS™ Next Imaging Systems.

The OPTIS™ Next Imaging System with a compatible Dragonfly™ OPTIS™ Imaging Catheter or Dragonfly OpStar™ Imaging Catheter is intended for the imaging of coronary arteries and is indicated in patients who are candidates for transluminal interventional procedures. The Dragonfly™ OPTIS™ Imaging Catheter or Dragonfly OpStar™ Imaging Catheter is intended for use in vessels 2.0 to 3.5 mm in diameter. The Dragonfly™ OPTIS™ Imaging Catheter or Dragonfly OpStar™ Imaging Catheter is not intended for use in the left main coronary artery or in a target vessel which has undergone a previous bypass procedure.

The OPTIS™ Next Imaging Systems are intended for use in the catheterization and related cardiovascular specialty laboratories and will further compute and display various physiological parameters based on the output from one or more electrodes, transducers, or measuring devices. The physician may use the acquired physiological parameters, along with knowledge of patient history, medical expertise, and clinical judgment to determine if therapeutic intervention is indicated.

Applies to both OPTIS™ and OPTIS™ Next Imaging Systems and Software

The Dragonfly™ OPTIS™ or Dragonfly™ OpStar™ Imaging Catheters are intended for use in vessels 2.0 to 3.5 mm in diameter. The Dragonfly™ OPTIS™ or Dragonfly™ OpStar™ Imaging Catheters are not intended for use in the left main coronary artery or in a target vessel which has undergone a previous bypass procedure.

The OPTIS™ and OPTIS™ Next Imaging Systems are intended for use in the catheterization and related cardiovascular specialty laboratories and will further compute and display various physiological parameters based on the output from one or more electrodes, transducers, or measuring devices. The physician may use the acquired physiological parameters, along with knowledge of patient history, medical expertise, and clinical judgment to determine if therapeutic intervention is indicated.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

The OPTIS™ and OPTIS™ Next Integrated Systems and Mobile Systems with the usage of the OPTIS™ Software, AptiVue™ E Series Software, Ultreon™ 1.0 Software, and Ultreon™ 2.0 Software are contraindicated where introduction of any catheter would constitute a threat to patient safety. Contraindications include:

  • Bacteremia or sepsis
  • Major coagulation system abnormalities
  • Patients diagnosed with coronary artery spasm
  • Patients disqualified for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
  • Patients disqualified for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
  • Severe hemodynamic instability or shock
  • Total occlusion
  • Large thrombus
  • Acute renal failure
  • Inability to tolerate systemic anticoagulation is a contraindication to use of OCT for coronary imaging.
  • The system has no patient alarm functions. Do not use for cardiac monitoring.

COMPLICATIONS

The following complications may occur as a consequence of intravascular imaging and catheterization procedure:

  • Abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmias
  • Acute myocardial infarction
  • Allergic reaction to the contrast media or drug administered for the procedure
  • Arterial dissection, injury, or perforation
  • Bleeding
  • Catheter access site reactions: inflammation or granuloma
  • Coronary artery spasm
  • Death
  • Embolism
  • Hypotension
  • Infection
  • Myocardial ischemia
  • Renal insufficiency or failure from contrast media use
  • Repeat revascularization
  • Thrombus formation, abrupt closure, or total occlusion
  • Tissue necrosis
  • Unstable angina

WARNINGS

  • Prior to use, please review the Instructions for Use supplied with the OPTIS™ imaging system, Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter, Wi-Box™ AO Transmitter and the PressureWire™ guidewire for more information.
  • The Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter is sterilized by ethylene oxide and is intended for one time use only. Non-pyrogenic. Do not use if the package is opened or damaged. Do not reuse or re-sterilize. Any attempt to reuse or re-sterilize may compromise the structural integrity of this device. Adverse effects of using a non-sterile or re-sterilized catheter may include, but are not limited to: local and / or systemic infection, mechanical damage, inaccurate results.
  • Appropriate anticoagulant and vasodilator therapy must be used during the procedure as needed.
  • Ensure that no air is introduced into the system during the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters insertion.
  • Observe all advancement and movement of the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters under fluoroscopy. Always advance and withdraw the catheter slowly. Failure to observe device movement fluoroscopically may result in vessel injury or device damage. To ensure proper placement, do not move the guide wire after a Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter is in place.
  • If resistance is encountered during advancement or withdrawal of the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter, stop manipulation and evaluate under fluoroscopy. If the cause of resistance cannot be determined or mitigated, carefully remove the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters and guidewire together as a unit from the patient.
  • Leave the guide wire engaged with a Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter at all times during use. Do not withdraw or advance the guide wire prior to withdrawing the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters.
  • The Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters should never be forced into lumens that are narrower than the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters body or forced through a tight or heavily calcified lesion.
  • The Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters should not be advanced through abnormally tortuous anatomy.
  • When advancing or retracting a Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter with a monorail tip through a stented vessel, the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters may engage the stent between the junction of the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters and guide wire, resulting in entrapment of catheter / guide wire, catheter tip separation, stent dislocation, and / or vascular injury.
  • Refer to the contrast media Instructions for Use for general warnings and precautions relating to use of contrast media.
  • Before creating an OCT recording, review “Performing an OCT Procedure” for additional warnings and cautions in the IFU.

PRECAUTIONS

  • Safety and effectiveness have been established for the following patient population: adult patients undergoing non-emergent percutaneous coronary interventions in lesions with reference vessel diameters between 2.0 to 3.5 mm, which are not located in the left main coronary artery or in a target vessel which has undergone previous bypass procedures.
  • Follow all instructions, warnings, and cautions provided in “Patient Safety” in the IFU.
  • All operators must be knowledgeable in performing OCT and physiological procedures prior to using the OPTIS™ and OPTIS™ Next Integrated Systems and Mobile Systems with the usage of the OPTIS™ Software, AptiVue™ E Series Software, Ultreon™ 1.0 Software, and Ultreon™ 2.0 Software.
  • When using saline, heparinized saline is recommended.
  • Monitor the OCT image for indications of the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters optical failure. If optical failure is suspected, remove the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter from the patient, press “Unload” on the drive motor and optical controller (DOC), detach the catheter, and replace it with a new one.
  • If the pullback triggers before contrast is injected, repeat the pullback.
  • For optimal imaging, only use 100% contrast media.
  • Use the minimum flush rate and volume required to image the desired anatomy.
  • To obtain accurate measurements, be sure the selection for the Flush Medium is the same as the medium in which you are imaging.
  • The Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters must be purged prior to connection to the DOC to prevent damage to the imaging core.
  • Do not insert or remove a Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter while the DOC is scanning. Do not attempt to disconnect the catheter from the DOC while the “lock” LED is blinking as it could damage the catheter or the DOC. Refer to “Removing the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter” in the IFU.
  • Never attempt to attach or detach a catheter to the DOC while the "lock" LED is lit.
  • Take care in handling the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters to prevent breaking the fiber-optics within the catheter. Kinking and bending of the catheter can cause damage. While connecting, ensure the proximal catheter segment is straight and aligned with the DOC. Never attempt to connect and operate the catheter while the catheter remains coiled within the hoop.
  • Do not kink, sharply bend, pinch, or crush the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters at any time.
  • The Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheters have no user serviceable parts. Do not attempt to repair or alter any part of the catheter assembly as provided.
  • If you want to make measurements on files that will be exported to standard formats, you must make the measurements BEFORE exporting the images. Using non-OCT software to measure standard format images will not produce accurate measurements.
  • Do not use images that have been exported to JPEG or Compressed AVI formats for clinical decision making. These formats use compression methods that may degrade the image quality.
  • Artifacts may result in misrepresentation of L-mode data, so L-mode is not recommended for quantification of clinical information.
  • It is the user’s responsibility to confirm the lumen contours of all the frames within the reference segment, and to make adjustments if necessary. Red frames indicate low confidence in the detected contours.
  • Deleted files cannot be restored. After files have been deleted, they can only be imported back to your system from your archived copies.
  • Restoring factory default settings resets ALL user-entered configuration values except the date and time. This button should be used only under the direction of qualified service personnel.

MAT-2309288 v1.0

OPTIS™ Next Imaging Systems and Software

Rx Only

The Ultreon™ 2.0 Software is intended to be used only with compatible OPTIS™ Next Imaging Systems.

The OPTIS™ Next Imaging Systems with a compatible Dragonfly™ OPTIS™ Imaging Catheter or Dragonfly OpStar™ Imaging Catheter is intended for the imaging of coronary arteries and is indicated in patients who are candidates for transluminal interventional procedures. The Dragonfly™ OPTIS™ Imaging Catheter or Dragonfly OpStar™ Imaging Catheter is intended for use in vessels 2.0 to 3.5 mm in diameter. The Dragonfly™ OPTIS™ Imaging Catheter or Dragonfly OpStar™ Imaging Catheter is not intended for use in the left main coronary artery or in a target vessel which has undergone a previous bypass procedure.

The OPTIS™ Next Imaging Systems are intended for use in the catheterization and related cardiovascular specialty laboratories and will further compute and display various physiological parameters based on the output from one or more electrodes, transducers, or measuring devices. The physician may use the acquired physiological parameters, along with knowledge of patient history, medical expertise, and clinical judgment to determine if therapeutic intervention is indicated.
 

Contraindications

Use of the Ultreon™ 2.0 Software is contraindicated where introduction of any catheter would constitute a threat to patient safety. Contraindications include:

  • Bacteremia or sepsis
  • Major coagulation system abnormalities
  • Patients diagnosed with coronary artery spasm
  • Patients disqualified for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
  • Patients disqualified for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
  • Severe hemodynamic instability or shock
  • Total occlusion
  • Large thrombus
  • Acute renal failure
  • Inability to tolerate systemic anticoagulation is a contraindication to use of OCT for coronary imaging.
  • The system has no patient alarm functions. Do not use for cardiac monitoring.
     

Complications

The following complications may occur as a consequence of intravascular imaging and catheterization procedure:

  • Abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmias
  • Acute myocardial infarction
  • Allergic reaction to the contrast media or drug administered for the procedure
  • Arterial dissection, injury, or perforation
  • Bleeding
  • Catheter access site reactions: inflammation or granuloma
  • Coronary artery spasm
  • Death
  • Embolism
  • Hypotension
  • Infection
  • Myocardial ischemia
  • Renal insufficiency or failure from contrast media use
  • Repeat revascularization
  • Thrombus formation, abrupt closure, or total occlusion
  • Tissue necrosis
  • Unstable angina
     

Warnings

  • Prior to use, please review the Instructions for Use supplied with the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter for more information.
  • Appropriate anticoagulant and vasodilator therapy must be used during the procedure as needed.
  • Ensure that no air is introduced into the system during the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter insertion.
  • Observe all advancement and movement of the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter under fluoroscopy. Always advance and withdraw the catheter slowly. Failure to observe device movement fluoroscopically may result in vessel injury or device damage. To ensure proper placement, do not move the guide wire after the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter is in place.
  • If resistance is encountered during advancement or withdrawal of the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter, stop manipulation and evaluate under fluoroscopy. If the cause of resistance cannot be determined or mitigated, carefully remove the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter and guidewire together as a unit from the patient.
  • Leave the guide wire engaged with the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter at all times during use. Do not withdraw or advance the guide wire prior to withdrawing the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter.
  • The Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter should never be forced into lumens that are narrower than the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter body or forced through a tight or heavily calcified lesion.
  • The Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter should not be advanced through abnormally tortuous anatomy.
  • When advancing or retracting a Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter with a monorail tip through a stented vessel, the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter may engage the stent between the junction of the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter and guide wire, resulting in entrapment of catheter / guide wire, catheter tip separation, stent dislocation, and / or vascular injury.
  • Refer to the contrast media Instructions for Use for general warnings and precautions relating to use of contrast media.
  • Before creating an OCT recording, review “Performing an OCT Procedure” for additional warnings and cautions in the IFU.
     

Precautions

  • Safety and effectiveness have been established for the following patient population: adult patients undergoing non-emergent percutaneous coronary interventions in lesions with reference vessel diameters between 2.0 to 3.5 mm, which are not located in the left main coronary artery or in a target vessel which has undergone previous bypass procedures.
  • Follow all instructions, warnings, and cautions provided in “Patient Safety” in the IFU.
  • All operators must be knowledgeable in performing OCT and physiological procedures prior to using the Ultreon™ 2.0 Software, OPTIS™ Next Imaging System, and the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter.
  • When using saline, heparinized saline is recommended.
  • Monitor the OCT image for indications of Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter optical failure. If optical failure is suspected, remove the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter from the patient, press “Unload” on the drive motor and optical controller (DOC), detach the catheter, and replace it with a new one.
  • If the pullback triggers before contrast is injected, repeat the pullback.
  • For optimal imaging, only use 100% contrast media.
  • Use the minimum flush rate and volume required to image the desired anatomy.
  • To obtain accurate measurements, be sure the selection for the Flush Medium is the same as the medium in which you are imaging.
  • The Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter must be purged prior to connection to the DOC to prevent damage to the imaging core.
  • Do not insert or remove the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter while the DOC is scanning. Do not attempt to disconnect the catheter from the DOC while the “lock” LED is blinking as it could damage the catheter or the DOC. Refer to “Removing the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter” in the IFU.
  • Never attempt to attach or detach a catheter to the DOC while the "lock" LED is lit.
  • Take care in handling the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter to prevent breaking the fiber-optics within the catheter. Kinking and bending of the catheter can cause damage. While connecting, ensure the proximal catheter segment is straight and aligned with the DOC. Never attempt to connect and operate the catheter while the catheter remains coiled within the hoop.
  • Do not kink, sharply bend, pinch, or crush the Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter at any time.
  • The Dragonfly™ Imaging Catheter has no user serviceable parts. Do not attempt to repair or alter any part of the catheter assembly as provided.
  • If you want to make measurements on files that will be exported to standard formats, you must make the measurements BEFORE exporting the images. Using non-OCT software to measure standard format images will not produce accurate measurements.
  • Do not use images that have been exported to JPEG or Compressed AVI formats for clinical decision making. These formats use compression methods that may degrade the image quality.
  • Artifacts may result in misrepresentation of L-mode data, so L-mode is not recommended for quantification of clinical information.
  • It is the user’s responsibility to confirm the lumen contours of all the frames within the reference segment, and to make adjustments if necessary. Red frames indicate low confidence in the detected contours.
  • Deleted files cannot be restored. After files have been deleted, they can only be imported back to your system from your archived copies.

Restoring factory default settings resets ALL user-entered configuration values except the date and time. This button should be used only under the direction of qualified service personnel.

Assert-IQ™ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM)

Rx Only

Brief Summary: Prior to using these devices, please review the Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and directions for use.

Indications for Use: The Assert-IQ ICM is indicated for the monitoring and diagnostic evaluation of patients who experience unexplained symptoms that may be cardiac-related such as: dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, syncope, and shortness of breath, as well as patients who are at risk for cardiac arrhythmias such as bradycardia, tachycardia, and sinus pauses. The Assert-IQ ICM is also indicated for patients who have been previously diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) or who are susceptible to developing AF. The Assert-IQ ICM is intended to be inserted subcutaneously in the left pectoral region, also described as the left anterior chest wall. The Assert-IQ ICM has not been specifically tested for pediatric use.

Intended Use: The Assert-IQ ICM is intended to help physicians and clinicians monitor, diagnose and document the heart rhythm in patients who are susceptible to cardiac arrhythmias and unexplained symptoms by detecting arrhythmias and transmitting data for review.

Contraindications: There are no known contraindications for the insertion of the Assert-IQ ICM. However, the patient’s particular medical condition may dictate whether or not a subcutaneous, chronically inserted device can be tolerated.

Potential Adverse Events: Possible adverse events (in alphabetical order) associated with the device, include the following: allergic reaction, bleeding, chronic nerve damage, erosion, excessive fibrotic tissue growth, extrusion, formation of hematomas or cysts, infection, keloid formation and migration.

Refer to the User’s Manual for detailed indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions and potential adverse events.

An Abbott mobile transmitter is available for patients without their own compatible mobile device.

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