HeartFlow Introduces Next-Generation Interactive Plaque Analysis Platform

July 18, 2024—HeartFlow, Inc. announced the introduction of its next-generation HeartFlow Plaque Analysis with an interactive experience.

The upgraded plaque analysis platform is fully integrated with HeartFlow’s FFR_CT (fractional flow reserve coronary CT angiography), when FFR_CT is performed, and provides insights to enhance clinical decision-making and to enable personalized patient treatment plans.

The technology was introduced at SCCT2024, the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography annual scientific meeting held July 18-21 in Washington, DC.

According to the company, HeartFlow Plaque Analysis uses the company’s algorithms to analyze coronary CT angiography scans, creating a personalized three-dimensional (3D) model that quantifies and characterizes plaque volume in the coronary arteries, aiding risk assessment of coronary artery disease.

When FFR_CT is performed, the new interactive experience integrates accurate plaque quantification with lesion specific FFR_CT values, showcasing the 3D plaque model and comprehensive plaque analysis by territory across calcified, noncalcified, and low attenuation. The platform also offers the ability to view cross-sectional color-coded images of each plaque type where it was quantified along the vessel, stated HeartFlow.

The company noted that the performance is supported by the following recently published prospective data:

• HeartFlow Plaque Analysis was shown to have 95% agreement for total plaque volume measures versus the gold standard of intravascular ultrasound in “Prospective Deep Learning-based Quantitative Assessment of Coronary Plaque by CT Angiography Compared with Intravascular Ultrasound” published by Jagat Narula, MD, et al in European Heart Journal: Cardiovascular Imaging.
• Two of three patients had their medical management changed and more precisely tailored with HeartFlow Plaque Analysis in “Utility of Artificial Intelligence Plaque Quantification: Results of the DECODE Study” published by Sarah Rinehart, MD, et al in JSCAI.

“Having access to a patient’s whole coronary picture, with both quantified plaque and physiology, is a game changer as a clinician,” commented Dr. Rinehart in the company’s press release. Dr. Rinehart is the medical director of Cardiac Imaging, Nuclear and CT, at Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, West Virginia.

Dr. Rinehart continued, “I can reference the cross-sectional views with plaque by type when reviewing my patient’s workup and have confidence in the accuracy and actionable insights that I know I’ll get from HeartFlow Plaque Analysis. With a quantitative measurement of a patient’s plaque volume, I can more accurately assess risk and develop a personalized, targeted treatment plan.”