The National Heart Centre Singapore is leading the way in cardiovascular disease prevention with the introduction of a cutting-edge AI-powered solution for rapid coronary artery disease (CAD) prediction. SENSE (Singapore Heart Lesion Analyser) is a revolutionary machine learning-driven system that can analyze heart image scans and assess the risk for CAD. By deploying AI algorithms and patented post-processing technologies, SENSE can evaluate four key CAD parameters from CT scans: coronary calcium scores, epicardial adipose tissue, coronary stenosis, and plaque. These crucial CAD determinants were identified through the NHCS APOLLO cardiac database.
One of the most significant advantages of SENSE is its ability to generate reports for clinicians in just 10 minutes, significantly reducing the processing time from the typical two to four hours. This rapid turnaround time allows for early detection and monitoring of CAD, ultimately leading to more effective treatment strategies.
CAD is a leading cause of cardiovascular-related deaths in Singapore, accounting for nearly a third of all cases. By harnessing the power of AI, the NHCS aims to prevent these deaths by proactively tracking and managing heart conditions like CAD. The hospital, in collaboration with the CardioVascular Systems Imaging and Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory (CVS.AI) and the A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research, is at the forefront of this groundbreaking project.
The CVS.AI laboratory, established in 2021, has recently relocated to a new facility and expanded its GPU fleet, enabling real-time processing of large datasets. Building on the success of the APOLLO database, which houses millions of heart images and patient information from major heart centers in Singapore, SENSE promises high precision in CAD prediction. This precision allows clinicians to implement timely intervention and treatment strategies, ultimately saving lives.
In addition to the NHCS, SENSE will also be piloted at two other major cardiac hospitals, the National University Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), in the coming months. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of Singapore’s healthcare sector to leverage AI technology for improved patient outcomes.
As part of a larger trend in healthcare innovation, Singaporean startup Health BETA is also developing an AI-powered solution to assess CAD risk. By utilizing Asian genomics data, the tool aims to produce an enhanced polygenic risk score for CAD. With a planned release later this year, this solution is set to further revolutionize CAD prevention and management.
Overall, the introduction of SENSE and other AI-powered tools signifies a significant advancement in cardiovascular disease prediction and treatment. By harnessing the power of AI and machine learning, healthcare providers in Singapore are paving the way for more personalized, efficient, and effective patient care in the fight against CAD.
