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26th April 2021

AI device that anticipates heart attacks launches in the EU and UK

The CaRi-Heart tool that leverages AI technology in order to predict heart disease is ready for use by doctors across the UK and Europe

An artificial intelligence (AI) tool developed by Caristo Diagnostics and based on research funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) anticipates cardiovascular pathology during routine heart scans.
The tool works by scanning “ticking-time-bomb” arteries that have the possibility of becoming blocked and thus trigger a heart attack. By employing AI, the CaRi-Heart tool produces a ‘fat attenuation index score’ (FAI-Score) in accordance with regular heart scans in bid to accurately measure the inflammation of blood vessels inside and around the heart.
The news follows the the CaRi-Heart tool receiving its CE approval in March. Since then, the device has become readily available for use by clinicians across the UK, via the NHS, and Europe.
Dr Cheerag Shirodaria, chief executive officer and co-founder of Caristo Diagnostics, shared in a statement:

The beauty of our technology is that it will not only save countless lives, but it is incredibly simple. CaRi-Heart analysis can be undertaken on any CT heart scan, hospitals don’t need to change equipment and patients don’t need another test.
Physicians simply need to send their patient’s CT heart scan and they will then receive the personalised FAI-Score and CaRi-Heart Risk to guide patient management. It fits perfectly with a physician’s workflow.

Professor James Leiper, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said in a press release:

The development and approval of this new AI tool is a major success story. It’s a prime example of how BHF-funded research can lay the foundations for a truly transformational advance in the diagnosis and prevention of heart and circulatory diseases.
This research exemplifies the fundamental role medical research charities play in the translation of scientific research into the commercial and clinical sectors, which ultimately benefits the UK’s scientific ecosystem and patients with cardiovascular disease.
Sadly, the pandemic has had a devastating blow to the BHF’s research spend, cutting it in half by £50 million this year alone. We need the kind support of the public more than ever to continue our life-saving research so more projects like this can get off the ground.

Source: digitalhealth

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