Heart experts in Newcastle are using revolutionary 3D scans that can diagnose coronary heart disease in just 20 minutes.
The pioneering technology means that tens of thousands of patients every year will be assessed and treated five times faster by using a analytical tool called HeartFlow Analysis which turns a CT scan of the heart into a 3D image.
Previously, diagnoses would require a more invasive and time-consuming angiogram in hospital.
HeartFlow allows doctors to quickly diagnose coronary heart disease, or CHD – which accounts for a quarter of deaths in the region – without invasive procedures such as angiograms, and decide the appropriate treatment for the patient.
Treatment includes surgery, medication, or having a stent fitted, while those with less serious conditions can get lifestyle advice or medication to lower cholesterol.
HeartFlow was officially launched last month and is part of an NHS plan to cut the number of heart attacks and strokes by 150,000.
Matt Whitty, director of innovation and life sciences for NHS England, said HeartFlow had been a “huge success” in clinical trials and would help “tens of thousands of people a year receive quick diagnosis and treatment and ultimately save lives”.
Our hospitals have taken a leading position in the diagnosis of heart disease globally with the roll out of this innovative technology, and it’s important people are aware of its benefits.
Dr Anna Beattie, consultant cardiothoracic radiologist at Newcastle Hospitals
Cardiologists at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital began using Heartflow Analysis in 2018 as part of the national clinical trials to help its fight against one of the UK’s biggest killers.
It works by taking data from a CT scan and using 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 impact of any blockages.
In many cases, the information provided by the HeartFlow Analysis may help physicians recommend not having an invasive diagnostic procedure, which carry risks of complication, and is estimated to save the NHS £214 per patient.
Dr Anna Beattie, consultant cardiothoracic radiologist at Newcastle Hospitals, said: “We have used the HeartFlow Analysis in Newcastle Hospitals for two years now, and it has contributed to significant changes in the way we diagnose patients and use hospital resources.
“Nearly 45% of those expected to have CHD will now have a CT-scan and HeartFlow Analysis, which has risen from 28% previously, and meant the number of diagnostic-only invasive angiograms we perform has reduced. It is great for patients as it reduces unnecessary risks and means they spend less time in hospitals.”
Before the adoption of the HeartFlow Analysis, 50% of rapid access chest pain clinic patients referred for an invasive angiogram were found to not need revascularisation.
Since adding the HeartFlow Analysis to the diagnostic pathway, the rate of invasive investigation without treatment has decreased to 14%, indicating physicians’ ability to identify patients who require revascularisation has significantly improved with the information provided by the HeartFlow Analysis.
Lance Scott, chief commercial officer at HeartFlow said:”NHS England leads the world with its approach to CHD diagnosis, one of the country’s biggest killers. We’re pleased to be working with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to streamline the patient diagnostic experience and reduce unnecessary procedures.
“During the global pandemic, the CTA-HeartFlow diagnostic pathway has meant patients spend less time in hospitals, and it’s a good example of how the NHS’s approach of adopting leading digital technologies is helping the public health service to become more efficient.”
