Cardiologists at Community Healthcare System now offer a new, non-invasive technology called HeartFlow Analysis, to more accurately diagnose and treat patients with suspected heart disease. The HeartFlow Analysis combines traditional cardiac CT imagery with the latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI) to create a personalized 3-dimensional model of the patient’s coronary arteries and the blockages impacting blood flow.
“HeartFlow gives our physicians a much higher level of detail about our patient’s arteries by providing a more precise visualization of the severity of their heart disease,” said Samer Abbas, MD, medical director of Cardiovascular Services at Community Hospital. “This enhanced information will help us determine the optimal approach to treatment for each patient through a convenient, non-invasive platform.”
The HeartFlow process begins with a standard CT scan of a patient’s heart to look for blockages. If the scan shows disease or that additional information is needed, the physician may order a HeartFlow Analysis. Trained analysts then use AI algorithms to create an anatomical 3-D model of the patient’s heart that helps physicians visualize the blood flow and detect stenosis, or plaque that obstructs the blood flow. This detailed information allows physicians to better understand the severity of disease and determine the best next step in their treatment plans. Most importantly, it provides more accurate information compared to other non-invasive cardiac tests.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the United States, and coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease, affecting nearly half the adult population.CAD develops when the arteries leading to the heart narrow or become blocked, which may lead to a reduction in blood flow to the heart. This can cause chest pain, heart attacks and death. Identifying exactly where and how an artery is blocked or clogged may help improve a person’s treatment plan – including whether or not an intervention is needed.
“The HeartFlow Analysis will help us develop the most appropriate treatment plan for patients with coronary artery disease without the need for unnecessary and stressful procedures,” said Jason Frazier, MD, department chairperson for Cardiovascular Services at St. Mary Medical Center. “This is game-changing technology that will be beneficial for both our patients and Community Healthcare System.”
HeartFlow Analysis is available at Community Hospital in Munster and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. To find a cardiologist near you, visit COMHS.org or call 219-836-3477.