The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has unveiled improved diagnosis and treatment for suspected heart disease patients using AI-driven 3D heart scans rolled out across 56 hospitals in England.
This technology has not only expedited the diagnostic process but also reduced the need for invasive procedures, resulting in substantial cost savings for the NHS.
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The AI technology, known as HeartFlow, converts CT scans into personalised 3D images of the heart, which are then analysed to assess blockages in coronary arteries.
Since its deployment in 2021, more than 24,300 patients have benefited from this tool, with the NHS saving an estimated £9.5m, approximately £390 per patient.
In the past year alone, 6,898 patients have had access to the HeartFlow analysis.
NHS England Transformation national director Dr Vin Diwakar said: “It is fantastic see that these revolutionary AI-driven 3D heart scans, supported by NHS England, are transforming cardiac care by significantly reducing the need for invasive tests, speeding up diagnoses, conserving NHS resources, and enabling clinicians to advise patients on the best treatment for their condition.”
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By GlobalDataThe 3D models created by the HeartFlow analysis provide cardiologists with detailed insights into the extent and location of arterial blockages, allowing for more accurate diagnoses.
The technology also suggests the optimal size and position for stents, tailoring the treatment to each patient’s specific condition.
A recent study involving 90,000 NHS patients from 2017 to 2020 revealed that the use of HeartFlow Analysis on nearly 8,000 patients led to a decrease in unnecessary and risky tests.
Moreover, it enabled more accurate identification of individuals requiring treatment for heart disease.
Dr Timothy Fairbairn is the lead clinician on the study and a consultant cardiologist at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
Fairbairn said: “These results show that this technology reduces the need for tests so that patients only undergo necessary treatments, demonstrating how AI technology can both improve care as well as increase efficiency in the NHS.
“The nationwide study, funded by the Medical Research Council, also showed that the huge benefits of this tool can be felt by all patients equally, no matter where they live.”
In addition to these advancements in cardiac care, the NHS is poised to further embrace AI tools to streamline administrative tasks and enhance overall patient care.
