Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a crucial component of healthcare to help augment physicians and make them more efficient. In medical imaging, it is helping radiologists more efficiently manage PACS worklists, enable structured reporting, auto detect injuries and diseases, and to pull in relevant prior exams and patient data. In cardiology, AI is helping automate tasks and measurements on imaging and in reporting systems, guides novice echo users to improve imaging and accuracy, and can risk stratify patients. AI includes deep learning algorithms, machine learning, computer-aided detection (CAD) systems, and convolutional neural networks. 

Lars Svensson, MD, PhD

Q&A: Cleveland Clinic’s Lars Svensson previews AATS annual meeting

Svensson, a prominent voice in cardiothoracic surgery, said he has seen a rise in enthusiasm ahead of this year's meeting.

April 23, 2024
Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models can evaluate cardiovascular risk in routine chest CT scans without contrast, according to new research published in Nature Communications.[1] In fact, the authors noted, the AI approach may be more effective at identifying issues than relying on guidance from radiologists. Representative non-contrast CT slices for two patients (left), with super-imposed segmentations (right). One artificial intelligence (AI) model was used to segment a cardiac mask.

AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans. 

April 23, 2024
doctor examines patient data on their tablet

TAVR or SAVR? ChatGPT could help cardiologists decide

Researchers asked ChatGPT to make treatment decisions for patients with severe aortic stenosis, comparing its answers to the recommendations of a full heart team. 

April 22, 2024
Video interview with ACC President Cathie Biga on goals for college over the next year and trends she saw at ACC 2024.

New ACC President Cathie Biga wants to improve quality reporting in cardiology

Biga, who originally trained as a nurse, specializes in the business side of cardiology. She also emphasized the increasing importance of AI and other new technologies. 

April 17, 2024
Performing CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and helps limit unneeded invasive coronary angiography (ICA), according to a new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Heartflow

New cardiac imaging strategy could reduce ICA, PCI rates

Radiologists with Massachusetts General Hospital found that the selective use of cardiac CT and AI-based CAD evaluations could make a significant impact on patient care. 

April 16, 2024
The V-Wave intra-atrial shunt to treat heart failure on display on the expo floor at ACC.24. The device was used in one of the late breaking trials at ACC. DF 3

PHOTO GALLERY: Highlights from ACC.24 in Atlanta

ACC.24, the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting in Atlanta, featured the latest in cardiovascular research and technologies. Representatives from Cardiovascular Business were there in person to take in the excitement. 

April 16, 2024
HeartFlow FFR-CT

First-in-human trial shows potential of guiding CABG with cardiac CT and AI—no ICA required

An independent heart team blinded to ICA results was able to deliver helpful guidance for CABG procedures for 99.1% of patients using just CCTA and FFRCT alone. This approach is safe and feasible, researchers wrote, and the next step is to gather additional data. 

April 10, 2024
GE Healthcare has announced the upcoming launch of new artificial intelligence (AI) software compatible with the company’s Vscan Air SL handheld ultrasound system.

GE Healthcare launching new AI software for handheld ultrasound system

The company's new AI offering, a product of its 2023 acquisition of Caption Health, will make its debut at ACC.24 in Atlanta.

April 3, 2024

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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