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. 

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FDA approves new AI-powered imaging software from Nanox subsidiary

According to Nanox.AI, previously known as Zebra Medical Vision, the updated software helps "bridge the divide between radiology and cardiology."

Siemens Healthineers has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for Acuson Origin, its new cardiovascular ultrasound system featuring advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The Acuson Origin represents a significant update from the prior Siemens Healthineers cardiovascular ultrasound system, the Acuson SC2000.

Siemens Healthineers gains FDA clearance for new AI-powered cardiovascular ultrasound system

The Acuson Origin system includes advanced AI algorithms designed to assist users with the treatment of diagnostic, structural heart, vascular, electrophysiological and pediatric patients. It also comes packaged with a new 4D ICE catheter capable of multiplanar reconstruction imaging with or without the use of an electrocardiogram.

An example of HeartFlow's new RoadMap Stenosis software that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to show areas of interest for possible stenting based on a patient's CT scan and FFR-CT. This software is still undergoing beta testing at several hospitals and will likely be rolled out commercially later in 2023.

Cardiology still a leader in healthcare AI, trailing only radiology in FDA-cleared algorithms

At its current rate, the number of clinical AI models cleared by the FDA will break 1,000 before the end of 2024. Cardiology continues to play a significant role in this ongoing trend. 

Cardiologist Ami B. Bhatt, MD, a digital health specialist and longtime member of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), will serve as the Digital Health Advisory Committee's very first chair.

Cardiologist to chair new FDA advisory committee focused on AI, other digital health technologies

The Digital Health Advisory Committee is tasked with providing perspective and recommendations on a wide variety of topics. These insights will then help the FDA draft new policies and make other important decisions.

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Generative AI explains echo results to heart patients

Researchers used OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology to build 100 patient-friendly echo reports, evaluating each one for accuracy, relevance and understandability. The AI reports passed the test with flying colors. 

FibriCheck, a Belgium-based healthcare technology company, has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its artificial intelligence-powered digital platform that uses smartphone cameras to obtain heart rhythm measurements.

FDA clears heart rhythm AI that turns smartphones into medical devices

FibriCheck has been increasing its presence in the United States in anticipation of this approval, opening a new office and partnering with U.S. hospitals. 

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has helped cardiologists, radiologists, nurses and other healthcare providers embrace precision medicine in a way that ensures more heart patients are receiving personalized care.

Volta Medical, GE Healthcare partner on AI-powered AFib treatments

Under this new arrangement, Volta Medical's AI software will be integrated into GE Healthcare offerings to improve AFib outcomes. 

HeartFlow introduced its next generation artificial intelligence (AI) Plaque Analysis with an interactive experience at SCCT 2024. It shows a 3D plaque model and analysis by territory across calcified, non-calcified and low-attenuation plaques. This includes viewing cross-sectional, color-coded images of each plaque type where it was quantified along the vessel. #SCCT #SCCT24 #SCCT2024

Updated HeartFlow technology offers interactive features, full integration with FFR-CT 

HeartFlow is using SCCT 2024 to introduce the world to its updated Plaque Analysis platform. “Accurately diagnosing a patient’s risk for coronary artery disease is critical for determining the best treatment," Chief Medical Officer Campbell Rogers, MD, explained.

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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.