Researchers bring on-the-go CCTA scans to underserved communities
Two Colorado-based imaging companies have joined forces to drive a cardiac-capable mobile CT scanner across the United States and provide on-the-go cardiovascular health assessments. They made their journey in the name of new technology designed to improve care for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Cleerly, known for its artificial intelligence-powered cardiovascular imaging tools, partnered with Clear Heart and Lung Imaging to evaluate patients in Arizona, Louisiana, Georgia and Florida. All patients underwent coronary CT angiography (CCTA) scans from July to September 2026 as part of the ongoing TRANSFORM trial. TRANSFORM is a randomized trial focused on studying the effectiveness of using Cleerly’s Coronary Artery Disease Staging System to diagnose, stage and treat CAD.
Patients in the study arm will have their CCTA results assessed using an advanced CAD plaque staging system report. Patients in the control arm, on the other hand, will be assessed based on traditional atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors. Primary results from TRANSFORM are expected to arrive in 2029.
“Patients in underserved communities can face barriers to participating in clinical trials, which can limit the generalizability of trial results,” Udo Hoffmann, MD, chief medical, scientific and AI Officer of Cleerly, said in a statement. “The mobile CT scanner allows us to bring CCTA to clinics and patients who may otherwise have limited access to advanced imaging. This supports Cleerly’s mission to create a world without heart attacks everywhere through a diagnose, stage, and treat approach to CAD, and helps broaden the diversity and geographic representation of TRANSFORM participants.”
“Clear Heart and Lung Imaging was founded on the belief that access to advanced cardiovascular imaging remains a challenge in America,” added Kim Mischo, founder of Clear Heart and Lung Imaging. “The Clear Heart Mobile helps expand access to cardiovascular imaging, particularly in underserved communities. We're honored to partner with the TRANSFORM trial team, and with CT Coachworks, who built us the perfect mobile solution. Together we're bringing advanced cardiac imaging directly to patients who may otherwise have limited access to care, and expanding who gets to take part in cardiovascular research.”
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.