AI and digital technologies: how the stethoscope is redefined in cardiology

In modern medicine, AI and digital technologies are changing the way doctors diagnose and treat. The digital health podcast “Has the stethoscope soon come to an end?” highlights how digital devices and AI systems are revolutionizing cardiology. Traditional instruments such as the stethoscope, which has been used for heart diagnostics for centuries, are complemented or even replaced by advanced technologies. These changes affect not only the practice, but also the education and role of the doctor in the future of medicine. AI-powered systems can detect cardiac arrhythmias faster, enable more precise diagnoses and help doctors make decisions. At the same time, the stethoscope remains a symbol of traditional medicine and a valuable tool in clinical practice. The integration of digital technologies into cardiology is an example of how innovations can improve medical care without replacing the human component. However, the development of such systems requires not only technological advances, but also a clear legal and ethical framework. As the discussion about AI agents in the USA shows, there are still no clear rules on the liability and control of such systems. Nevertheless, the connection between AI and medical practice is an area that will become increasingly important in the coming years. In this context, it is particularly relevant to focus on solutions that ensure security, data protection and digital sovereignty. Open source alternatives such as xynap offer a platform for developing data protection-compliant and secure digital systems. For example, the Dutch government has switched to Linux and open source due to privacy issues at Microsoft, underlining the importance of self-hosted solutions. In medicine, where the protection of patient data is crucial, such infrastructure is particularly important. The combination of AI technologies and secure, data protection compliant systems is therefore a key element for the future of digital healthcare.