Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a crucial component of healthcare to help augment physicians and make them more efficient. In medical imaging, it is helping radiologists more efficiently manage PACS worklists, enable structured reporting, auto detect injuries and diseases, and to pull in relevant prior exams and patient data. In cardiology, AI is helping automate tasks and measurements on imaging and in reporting systems, guides novice echo users to improve imaging and accuracy, and can risk stratify patients. AI includes deep learning algorithms, machine learning, computer-aided detection (CAD) systems, and convolutional neural networks. 

Example of an automated artificial intelligence (AI) assessment of soft coronary plaque from a CT scan from the vendor Cleerly. The AI gives a very detailed report of all the plaque in all the coronary vessels. Some cardiology experts believe this may be the way of the future in screening patients for early coronary disease and monitoring the impact of prevention efforts such as statins to determine if more aggressive treatments are needed.

Medicare administrative contractors approve coverage of AI-enabled quantitative CT

Four of the seven Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) announced they will now cover artificial intelligence-enabled quantitative coronary tomography (AI-QCT) and coronary plaque analysis (AI-CPA). 

Ron Blankstein, MD, Brigham and Womens Hospital, explains a study using AI opportunistic screening in non-cardiac CT scans looking for coronary artery disease.

Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

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American College of Radiology partners with FDA to hasten availability of AI products

The administration is seeking greater communication between the manufacturers of breakthrough devices and physician professional societies such as the ACR. 

breast cancer screening mammography

AI accurately predicts breast cancer years before diagnosis

This information could help providers personalize breast cancer screening strategies and initiate treatment earlier.

GE HealthCare

GE HealthCare completes $53M acquisition of AI ultrasound business

Based in Cardiff, Wales, seller Intelligent Ultrasound specializes in integrated, AI-driven tools to make scans “smarter and more efficient.” 

quality imaging appropriateness clinical decision support CAS AUC

Company aiming to automate medical coding in radiology raises $47M

Across its customer base of physician groups, health systems and hospitals, Nym has processed over 6 million charts annually. 

Breast arterial calcifications (BACs) identified on screening mammograms may help identify women who face a heightened risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a new analysis published in Clinical Imaging.

Younger women with breast arterial calcifications are at markedly higher risk of major cardiovascular events

Currently, there is no standardized reporting requirement related to BACs, and ACR classifies reporting vascular calcifications on breast imaging as optional. 

Mendaera Founder and CEO Josh DeFonzo

Startup aiming to bring robotics into interventional radiology raises $73M

The Silicon Valley-based startup is working to commercialize a handheld platform that incorporates robotics, artificial intelligence, imaging and virtual connectivity. 

Around the web

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

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