AI software used to better diagnose, treat coronary artery disease

Saint Thomas Health, a Tennessee-based health system, is the first in the state to use an AI-based software system that helps clinicians better diagnose and treat coronary artery disease, according to an online report by WGNS News Radio.

The hospital system is now using HeartFlow, a non-invasive tool that creates a personalized 3D model of a patient’s heart from their coronary CT scan. For a patient with coronary artery disease, the tool is able to assess how a blockage impacts blood flow. That data is then used to create the best treatment plan for patients, according to the company’s website.

"We are very excited to have the opportunity to be the first hospital in Nashville and in Tennessee to offer this advanced heart imaging technology to our patients," Andrew Zurick, MD, a cardiologist with Saint Thomas Heart, told WGNS.

"Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in United States. Identification of coronary artery atherosclerotic disease is an important first step, but knowing how best to manage patients can be a complicated process. HeartFlow can help patients avoid unnecessary invasive procedures, and can help clinicians better identify patients in need of treatment."

To read the full report, click the link below.

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Danielle covers Clinical Innovation & Technology as a senior news writer for TriMed Media. Previously, she worked as a news reporter in northeast Missouri and earned a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She's also a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears and Bulls. 

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