Cardiovascular Center Aalst Optimises acute coronary occlusion detection with artificial intelligence
Aalst, Belgium, 11/12/2023 – Cardiovascular Center Aalst, OLV Hospital, has integrated Artificial Intelligence to enhance the detection of heart attacks. PMcardio's Queen of Hearts, a certified medical device AI model developed in Heart Center Aalst, will assist physicians in earlier and more accurate diagnosis of heart attacks, especially in cases where only subtle signs are present.
This integration marks a transformative step in diagnosing and treating acute Occlusion Myocardial Infarction (OMI), a critical form of heart attack caused by acute occlusion of a coronary artery. In Belgium, more than 20,000 people annually get diagnosed with acute Myocardial Infarction, a significant number of whom suffer from OMI, often misidentified due to subtle signs on the ECG and resulting in delay of life-saving treatment. Tragically, almost a quarter of these patients do not survive. (healthybelgium.be).
This model, specifically targeting acute Occlusion Myocardial Infarction (OMI), was developed using a comprehensive dataset of 18,616 electrocardiograms (ECGs) from 10,543 patients suspected of ACS, sourced from an international database with angiographically validated outcomes.
The performance of the “Queen of Hearts” was rigorously evaluated in an international cohort and compared to the conventional STEMI criteria and assessments by ECG experts. The AI model demonstrated an impressive area under the curve (AUC) of 0.938 for identifying OMI. It exhibited superior performance with an accuracy of 90.9%, sensitivity of 80.6%, and specificity of 93.7%, surpassing the STEMI criteria and aligning with the proficiency of ECG experts. These published findings are detailed in the European Heart Journal - Digital Health.
Dr. Dan Schelfaut, Co-Director of Cardiovascular Center Aalst, OLV Hospital, elaborates on its impact: “This AI innovation symbolises the fusion of technology with cardiac care, paving the way for swift and accurate OMI diagnosis in diverse clinical scenarios. The AI model's superior accuracy in detecting acute OMI, as compared to the STEMI criteria, underscores its potential to revolutionize ACS triage, ensuring timely and appropriate referrals for immediate revascularisation.”
Cardiovascular Center Aalst's adoption of the Queen of Hearts represents a crucial step in bridging the gap between emergency physicians and cardiologists, ensuring swift and accurate diagnosis of acute coronary occlusions. Paramedics can now use this tool for on-the-spot diagnosis, facilitating immediate communication and prioritization for urgent care upon hospital arrival.
"From a single ECG, the tool immediately provides the pivotal clinical solution to prevent increased risk for heart failure or mortality due to delayed revascularization of large myocardial infarctions”, states Dr. Jozef Bartunek, Co-Director of Cardiovascular Center Aalst.
The impact of the technology is not limited to the immediate treatment of heart attacks; it extends into the future well-being of patients.
“Our AI models in development will focus on ECG-based screening for heart failure as early as asymptomatic patients presenting for a routine check-up to their GP and early recognition of conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac death, such as Brugada and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, ensuring patients have the best chance for a healthier, longer life”, concludes Dr. Robert Herman, Cardiovascular Researcher at Cardiovascular Center Aalst, and Digital & Innovation Committee Member at the European Society of Cardiology.
About Cardiovascular Center Aalst: The Cardiovascular Center Aalst at OLV Hospital is renowned for its excellence in cardiac care. With the integration of PMcardio's Queen of Hearts, the center reaffirms its commitment to providing cutting-edge, efficient, and accurate diagnosis and treatment for cardiac patients.
https://www.hartcentrumaalst.be/
About PMcardio: PMcardio, a leader in AI-powered diagnostics, focuses on combating cardiovascular diseases, the leading global cause of death. Its innovative technology enables healthcare professionals to diagnose up to 40 cardiovascular diseases with cardiologist-level precision, leveraging a smartphone application that interprets 12-lead ECGs in under 5 seconds.
https://www.powerfulmedical.com/pmcardio-omi