Study Evaluates 3D Echocardiographic Image Analysis With Philips' HeartModel Software

May 1, 2017—Royal Philips announced results from a global study indicating that automated three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic analysis of left heart chambers is an accurate alternative to the conventional manual methodology. The study was published online by Diego Medvedofsky, MD, et al in European Heart Journal: Cardiovascular Imaging.

This multicenter study assessed Philips' HeartModel ultrasound software with Anatomical Intelligence and builds on the conclusions of the previous clinical assessments carried out at individual locations by affirming consistency and reproducibility across multiple laboratories.

According to Philips, the study's findings could contribute to fuller integration of 3D echocardiographic quantification into clinical routine. Automated 3D echocardiography provides a comprehensive picture of heart function with real-time results, which can help clinicians assess and diagnose patients quickly and confidently. 

The study aimed to determine the accuracy and reproducibility of three different heart measurements in a multicenter setting: left atrial (LA) volume, left ventricular (LV) volume, and ejection fraction (EF). The investigators perfomed imaging in 180 patients across six sites using 3D echocardiography with Philips' Epiq ultrasound system. All images were then analyzed using the automated HeartModel software, which allows advanced quantification, automated 3D views, and robust reproducibility to cardiac ultrasound imaging, the company stated.

In Philips' announcement, Roberto Lang, MD, commented, "The days of time-consuming, difficult collection and analysis of heart measurements are behind us. The results of this study provide further evidence that 3D echocardiography technology like Philips HeartModel A.I. is the way forward for global health systems to save time and gather accurate data for quality care delivery to patients." Dr. Lang is Professor of Medicine and Director of Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging Laboratories at University of Chicago Medicine in Chicago, Illinois.

Philips noted that current medical guidelines recommend 3D echocardiography chamber quantification for patients undergoing an echocardiography exam, but adoption in clinical practice has lagged because of the time-consuming analysis that has traditionally been associated with the process. By showing that experienced operators in different areas of the world can obtain accurate and reproducible automated measurements of LV end-diastolic volume, LV end-systolic volume, and LVEF with clinically nonsignificant differences, this research demonstrates that HeartModel is a time-saving option that yields consistent, reproducible results across laboratories.