AI Imaging Equals Ultrasound Imaging in Guiding Surgeons During Heart Procedures

A recent study has found that patients with significant blockages in three key coronary arteries had similar outcomes whether treated with stent placement guided by ultrasound imaging or a new AI-powered technique.

The research, called FLAVOUR II, reached its main objective by showing no major differences in survival, heart attack rates, or the need for additional procedures within a year.

The study focused on patients suffering from coronary artery illness, a condition where cholesterol buildup narrows the arteries supplying blood to the heart, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. Doctors often treat this condition with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a minimally invasive technique where small metal stents are placed inside arteries to keep them open.

Before PCI, doctors assess whether the procedure is necessary using a method called fractional flow reserve (FFR). This technique measures blood flow and pressure in the narrowed arteries. If an FFR score is 0.80 or below, PCI is recommended; if the score is higher, medication may be sufficient. Traditionally, this assessment requires inserting a catheter or wire into the arteries, but logistical and technical challenges have limited its widespread use.

FLAVOUR II introduced a new approach, AngioFFR, which uses AI to calculate FFR based on a standard angiogram (an X-ray of the arteries). Unlike traditional FFR, this method is non-invasive, quicker, and more convenient. Researchers compared outcomes of patients receiving PCI based on AngioFFR guidance versus those treated based on intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), a widely used imaging method that employs sound waves to assess artery narrowing.

A total of 1,872 patients, with an average age of 65, were enrolled across 22 health centers in China. Each had three key coronary arteries that were at least 50% narrowed, but no major blockages in the left main artery. Additionally, most participants had underlying health conditions: high blood pressure (67.6%), diabetes (31%), high cholesterol (66.9%), chronic kidney illness, and a history of heart attacks (13.9%).

Patients were allocated at random to receive PCI guided by either AngioFFR or IVUS. After one year, 73.9% of AngioFFR patients underwent PCI compared to 83.1% in the IVUS group. The rate of adverse outcomes—including heart attack, death, or repeat procedure—was 6.3% in the AngioFFR category and 6.0% in the IVUS one, showing no significant difference.

The study suggests that AI-driven imaging could be a viable alternative to traditional methods, potentially simplifying the process and reducing procedure times. Researchers plan to continue monitoring the patients for about five years to determine if differences emerge in long-term outcomes.

As tech firms like D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) continue to innovate, we are likely to see a lot more AI solutions being leveraged by the healthcare industry to provide better services to patients.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/QBTS

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