Physician entrepreneurs at Sheba Medical Center have developed a groundbreaking product called AISAP, which leverages artificial intelligence (AI) for cardiac diagnosis instantly. Physicians, including non-cardiologists, can use AISAP to detect critical heart conditions on the spot by combining a handheld ultrasound probe and a digital tablet. This innovative solution addresses the challenge of timely and accurate diagnoses for cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally.
Portable ultrasound machines, known as point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), have become common in recent years for diagnosing heart issues. However, the availability of POCUS doesn’t guarantee timely and life-saving diagnoses. AISAP tackles this challenge by enabling any physician to use POCUS effectively and interpret the results rapidly using AI.
Closing the gap with AI-driven cardiac diagnosis
AISAP’s platform, developed by the Sheba team as part of the ARC digital innovation infrastructure, allows physicians to obtain quick and accurate diagnoses by following a streamlined process from clinical questions to imaging and diagnosis. With only two required imaging angles, AISAP analyzes eight critical heart functions, including left and right heart function, major valvular pathology, fluid around the heart, and the diameter of the inferior vena cava vein.
Physicians can perform a rapid ultrasound scan using a handheld scanning device, while AISAP provides real-time feedback on the image quality. If the images are not clear enough for interpretation, the system prompts the clinician to optimize the image. The scanned images are then securely sent to the AISAP cloud-based platform for AI analysis, leveraging a vast database of annotated and diagnosed images from expert cardiologists.
Unparalleled expertise and improved patient care
By training the AI system on a comprehensive database of cardiac imaging, AISAP possesses extensive knowledge and experience. This enables the platform to surpass the expertise of individual non-cardiologist physicians. AISAP provides physicians with valuable insights regarding the presence and severity of cardiac problems, allowing them to make informed decisions about the need for a cardiologist consultation. This technology has proven transformative for patient care, leading to faster discharge decisions and reduced hospital stays.
Physicians can quickly learn how to use AISAP, with training taking only a few hours. The system continuously measures the clinician’s performance and provides real-time feedback, allowing improvement in areas where they may be less proficient. In challenging cases, technicians can be dispatched to assist physicians at the bedside, further enhancing the quality of the scans and diagnoses.
Successful clinical trials and expansion plans
AISAP has undergone a prospective clinical trial at Sheba Medical Center, involving 1,000 patients across seven departments. The results have been promising, with 50% of patients showing significant findings that led to changes in management. The team will present these results at the upcoming European Society of Cardiology Congress. AISAP has received approval from Israel’s Health Ministry and has been sold to Sheba Medical Center, with negotiations underway for sales to four other Israeli hospitals.
To bring AISAP to the US market by 2024, the company is conducting a larger clinical trial in collaboration with Jefferson Health, Inova Health System, and Padeh Poriyah Hospital. The aim is to demonstrate the superior performance of non-expert physicians using AISAP compared to conventional methods. The study will compare the results of these physicians with those of expert cardiologists from Mass General Brigham. Upon obtaining FDA approval, AISAP has the potential to revolutionize cardiac diagnostics worldwide.
AISAP, developed by physician entrepreneurs at Sheba Medical Center, combines AI and handheld ultrasound technology to enable rapid cardiac diagnosis by any physician. This groundbreaking solution addresses the urgent need for timely and accurate diagnoses of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of global mortality. By providing real-time feedback, leveraging AI analysis, and offering continuous support, AISAP has the potential to transform patient care and improve outcomes in cardiology.
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