Cardiologists partner with imaging AI specialists to improve care for high-risk heart patients
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is partnering with Aidoc, the Israel-based healthcare technology firm known for its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, to ensure patients at risk of coronary heart disease receive the follow-up care they need.
Aidoc is home to 13 different AI models approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to evaluate imaging results in the background and alert radiologists of suspected findings. Under this new collaboration, ACC representatives will review each of Aidoc’s algorithms to confirm patients with incidental coronary artery calcification (CAC) are being properly flagged to receive follow-up care when necessary.
If a patient in the emergency department undergoes CT imaging, for instance, and the imaging results identify incidental signs of CAC, that patient’s radiologist should automatically be notified.
In addition to offering potential upgrades to Aidoc’s AI offerings, ACC representatives will also provide feedback on how recommendations from the organization’s expert guidelines can be implemented into radiologist and cardiologist workflows. Another key focus of this new partnership is the promotion of health equity. By working together to reach as many U.S. healthcare providers as possible, the groups believe they can increase patient access to Aidoc’s AI models, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
“Collaborating with the ACC represents a landmark moment in our mission to harness AI’s potential in healthcare,” Demetri Giannikopoulos, Aidoc’s vice president of innovation, said in a statement. “ACC is renowned for its dedication to advancing cardiovascular care globally, and we are honored to work alongside them to elevate clinical management and enable equitable, preventative, state-of-the-art care. Together, we can revolutionize how coronary artery calcium is detected and treated, profoundly impacting countless patients’ lives.”
“Our collaboration with Aidoc is aligned with the ACC’s mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health for all,” added ACC Chief Innovation Officer Ami Bhatt, MD. “These advanced tools that identify coronary artery calcium and communicate potential increased cardiovascular risk are an important advancement in population health.”
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.