In a recent study published in Radiology: Cardiovascular Imaging, researchers explored the potential of AI, or computational fluid dynamics CT FFR to optimize patient management strategies. The non-invasive CT fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) guided treatment decisions in patients with coronary artery blockage or narrowing.
Introduction:
Dr. Mangun Kaur Randhawa and colleagues conducted a retrospective study involving patients who underwent coronary CTA. Out of 3,098 patients, 292 were referred for CT-FFR analysis. CT-FFR was implemented in patients not requiring heart rate control by using dual-source coronary CTA acquisition and showed the potential to decrease rates of ICA and PCI without compromising safety in patients with significant stenosis and an average heart rate of 65 beats per minute.
Key Insights:
“In patients with moderate narrowing or blockage of the arteries, there can be ambiguity about who would benefit from invasive testing and revascularization procedures,” Dr. Randhawa said. “CT-FFR helps us identify and select those patients who are most likely to benefit.”
“CT-FFR helps us identify patients who would most benefit from undergoing invasive procedures and to defer stenting or surgical treatment in patients who likely won’t,” said senior author Brian B. Ghoshhajra, MD, MBA, associate chair for operations and academic chief of cardiovascular imaging at MGH. “CT-FFR makes the CT ‘better’, but we found that the benefits were highest when used selectively.”
Clinical Impact:
CT-FFR, despite challenges like irregular heart rates and obesity, proved successful in most cases. By focusing on physiological measurements rather than purely anatomical assessments, CT-FFR optimizes patient management strategies and enhances diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion:
The study on selective CT-FFR utilization represents a significant advancement in cardiac imaging and patient care. As technology continues to evolve, CT-FFR emerges as a beacon of progress in the quest for precision medicine in cardiology.
By integrating CT-FFR selectively, clinicians can identify patients who require further intervention while sparing others from unnecessary procedures, thus enhancing patient outcomes, and optimizing resource utilization.
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About DEEPVESSEL FFR
DEEPVESSEL FFR is a software medical device that uses deep learning technology to perform a non-invasive physiological functional assessment of the coronary arteries using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). The software processes coronary CTA images semi-automatically, generates a three-dimensional model of the coronary artery tree, and estimates CT FFR values. DEEPVESSEL FFR is FDA-Cleared, CE-Marked, and NMPA-Cleared.
About Keya Medical
Keya Medical is an international medical technology company developing deep learning-based medical devices for disease diagnosis and treatment. The company is committed to creating solutions that deliver clinical value at all stages in the patient care process, covering specialties including cardiology, neurology, pulmonology, pathology, and surgery. Keya Medical has four centers of excellence in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Seattle. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
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