LABORATORY INFORMATICS
3D heart scans to speed up NHS diagnosis
THE UK NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE AIMS TO ACCELERATE THE DIAGNOSIS OF HEART DISEASE USING 3D IMAGING TECHNOLOGY AND DEEP LEARNING
A five-times faster than normal way to diagnose and treat patients with suspected heart
disease – by using a deep learning- powered 3D imaging technology – is being introduced by the UK’s NHS. Known as HeartFlow, the latest
innovation delivered as part of the National Health Service’s Long Term Plan, turns a regular CT scan of the heart into a 3D image, allowing doctors to diagnose life- threatening coronary heart disease (CHD) in just 20 minutes. The programme aims to adopt the AI-powered HeartFlow fractional flow reserve – computed tomography (FFRCT) Analysis to fight CHD. HeartFlow Analysis takes data from a
coronary CT angiography (CTA) scan and uses deep learning technology and highly trained analysts to create a personalised, digital 3D model of the patient’s coronary arteries. Its algorithms solve millions of equations to simulate blood flow in a patient’s arteries, to help clinicians assess the functional impact of any blockages. The National Institute of Health and Care
Excellence (Nice) advocates a CTA-first approach to diagnosing CHD. HeartFlow Analysis has been declared a best practice non-invasive option for patients in recent updates to Nice’s guidance, stating that the technology should be considered as an option for
28 Scientific Computing World Spring 2021
“By rapidly improving the rate we diagnose and treat those with a heart condition, we will save thousands of lives”
patients with stable, recent onset chest pain who are offered CTA. HeartFlow plays a central role in providing clinicians greater confidence in their diagnoses, while
reducing the time to diagnose patients. Once patients are diagnosed using the 3D image, treatments include surgery, medication or having a stent fitted. For less serious cases patients will be given tips on healthy lifestyle changes or cholesterol-lowering medication – meaning the risk is quickly resolved before it becomes life-threatening. NHS medical director Stephen Powis
said: ‘The NHS Long Term Plan committed to cutting strokes, heart attacks and other
@scwmagazine |
www.scientific-computing.com g
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42
