New heart imaging uses artificial intelligence at Windber hospital | News

WINDBER, Pa. – Artificial intelligence has advanced into the cardiology department at Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber.

The CathWorks FFRangio System creates a 3D model that allows the cardiologist to see and evaluate blood flow and blockages in a patient’s heart.

“It’s exciting how (AI is) continuing to improve how we care for patients,” cardiac catheterization lab director Dr. Samir Hadeed said. “The FFRangio system allows us to be less invasive, yet still answer critical health questions.”

The new technology uses traditional angiograms created with medical imaging techniques, including X-rays and computer technology, to show bloodflow through the heart, veins or arteries. The CathWorks FFRangio System uses multiple angiograms to create a 3D model showing the location and degree of any blockages in coronary arteries.

The “FFR” in the system’s name refers to fractional flow reserve, a diagnostic measurement that evaluates the impact of coronary artery tightening.

It is an important part of the decision-making process when managing patients with coronary artery disease, Hadeed explained in a press release.

Traditionally, measuring the reserve requires invasive pressure wires and drug stimulation, which, Hadeed said, limits its usage.

The FFRangio System combines artificial intelligence with advanced computational science to obtain quick and reliable values from routine angiograms, eliminating the need for drug stimulation and invasive pressure wires.

Cardiologists can perform their clinical assessment more quickly, more comprehensively, without medications and in a way that is more comfortable for the patient.

Windber was offered the chance to adopt the CathWorks FFRangio System in September, and Hadeed and his staff quickly became champions for the technology.

“I knew the investment in this cutting-edge technology would benefit not only our patients, but our colleagues and organization as a whole in terms of patient flow,” Hadeed said.

After a few months of integration, the system was put into use in April.

Randy Griffith is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-532-5057. Follow him on Twitter @PhotoGriffer57.