August 7th 2024.
The advancement of artificial intelligence technology has paved the way for groundbreaking improvements in the field of healthcare. One such development is the ability to detect potential risks of heart attacks with greater accuracy. This has been made possible by a new model introduced by NHS England, which utilizes sophisticated software to identify inflammation in the heart, a condition that often goes undetected in traditional CT scans. The program, currently in its pilot stage, combines X-rays and computer technology to provide a more comprehensive analysis. Its implementation has begun at five hospital trusts situated in Oxford, Milton Keynes, Leicester, Liverpool, and Wolverhampton.
The driving force behind this innovative technology is Caristo Diagnostics, a spinout company from Oxford University. Within a few months, NHS England is expected to decide on the future use of this AI model for detecting heart attack risks. In order to participate in the pilot, patients must have chest pain and be referred for a routine CT scan. Caristo Diagnostics' CaRi-Heart AI platform then analyzes the scan to identify any potential risks.
Keith Channon, a professor at the University of Oxford, describes this technology as "transformative and game-changing" because it can detect biological processes that are invisible to the human eye, providing early detection of narrowing and blockages in the heart. This is significant considering that in the UK alone, about 7.6 million people are living with heart disease, and 350,000 patients undergo cardiac CT scans each year.
Trained operators review the results obtained from the CaRi-Heart AI platform to verify its accuracy. Studies have shown a direct correlation between increased inflammation and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and fatal heart attacks. With funding from the British Heart Foundation, the Orfan study was conducted on 40,000 patients, and it was found that 80% of them were sent back to their primary care physicians without a clear prevention or treatment plan. However, by incorporating AI technology, 45% of these patients were prescribed appropriate medication and advised to make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of future heart attacks.
The success of this AI model for detecting heart attack risks has spurred Caristo Diagnostics to adapt it for other health conditions such as strokes and diabetes. The potential for this technology to improve overall health outcomes is immense, and its impact is not limited to heart-related ailments. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, health experts emphasize the importance of prevention and early detection of diseases. With the help of AI technology, we can take proactive steps towards a healthier future.
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