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. 

New data highlight long-term benefits of HeartFlow’s AI-based CAD evaluations

HeartFlow kicked off TCT 2024 by sharing new research on the long-term impact of its FFRCT Analysis and Plaque Analysis software.

robot reviewing heart data

Medicare coverage expands again for AI-enabled coronary plaque assessments

Another MAC has agreed to cover the use of these advanced technologies to evaluate patients for signs of coronary artery disease. 

HeartFlow sharing new data on AI-enabled CAD management at TCT 2024

The California-based company, fresh off receiving expanded Medicare coverage and a new Category I CPT code for its AI offerings, will have a significant presence at TCT 2024. 

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis Example

New Category I CPT code issued for AI-enabled coronary plaque analysis software

The news comes just days after CMS confirmed these technologies would start receiving expanded Medicare coverage in November. HeartFlow and other AI vendors have already shared their excitement over the decision. 

The iCardio.ai EchoMeasure AI software to automate measurements for cardiac echo imaging. It was FDA cleared in October 2024.

FDA approves AI startup’s new software for echo assessments

iCardio.ai, co-founded by a cardiologist, is part of the Cedars-Sinai Accelerator program. The startup has already announced new partnerships with Viz.ai, Abbott and others in the cardiac health space. 

Example of an automated artificial intelligence (AI) assessment of soft coronary plaque from a CT scan from the vendor Cleerly. The AI gives a very detailed report of all the plaque in all the coronary vessels. Some cardiology experts believe this may be the way of the future in screening patients for early coronary disease and monitoring the impact of prevention efforts such as statins to determine if more aggressive treatments are needed.

Medicare administrative contractors approve coverage of AI-enabled quantitative CT

Four of the seven Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) announced they will now cover artificial intelligence-enabled quantitative coronary tomography (AI-QCT) and coronary plaque analysis (AI-CPA). 

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis

CMS updates Medicare coverage for AI-powered coronary plaque assessments

The new policy goes into effect in November, improving Medicare coverage for a technology that has rapidly gained momentum in recent years.

Ron Blankstein, MD, Brigham and Womens Hospital, explains a study using AI opportunistic screening in non-cardiac CT scans looking for coronary artery disease.

Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

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Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.