NHS Trusts roll out image analysis software for heart disease diagnoses

The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and Barts Health NHS Trust are rolling out innovative new image analysis software for coronary heart disease diagnoses and reduce the use of invasive patient testing.

Using data captured by a CT scan, the advanced image analysis ‘Heartflow’ software generates a personalised, 3D model of the coronary arteries to diagnose patients with suspected disease and applies deep learning techniques to predict the impact of any blockages.

Dr Parmajit Jeetley, consultant cardiologist and cardiac lead at Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We made the decision to implement Heartflow at the Royal Free London to diagnose heart disease more accurately, saving patients unnecessary exposure to radiation and invasive tests like angiography. Staff and patients are delighted with the results so far."

Use of the device can avoid the need for invasive investigations such as coronary angiography, usually carried out under local anaesthetic, where a catheter is passed through the blood vessels to the heart to release a dye before X-rays are taken. NICE estimate up to 35,000 people per year could be eligible.

Dr Emma Cheasty, consultant radiologist and clinical lead for cardiac CT and Dr Andrew Wragg, consultant cardiologist and clinical lead for Rapid Access Chest Pain Service at Barts Health commented: “We have implemented Heartflow under the ITP pathway since early August for cases referred from the Rapid  Access Chest Pain Clinic for CT coronary angiography (CTCA).

“We are continually looking at integrative ways to improve patient care whilst utilising our resources cost-effectively. When used in the right clinical context, Heartflow has proven to be a positive tool in reducing unnecessary invasive angiography and providing a more succinct patient pathway.”