A research team in Vancouver is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to revolutionize the detection and diagnosis of heart failure, a condition that is increasingly prevalent across Canada. The initiative is spearheaded by Dr. Christina Luong, a cardiologist and co-director of the VGH-UBC Artificial Intelligence Echo Core Lab, and is partially funded through the VGH Millionaire Lottery.
“Our goal is to streamline the diagnosis of heart failure,” stated Luong. The team is focused on developing and validating AI algorithms that can analyze echocardiograms, or heart ultrasound images, to expedite and enhance the diagnostic process. This technology aims to automatically interpret these images, measure heart function with improved accuracy, and enable non-experts to utilize portable ultrasound devices in various settings.
“Identifying the underlying cause of a patient”s heart failure through these mechanisms is crucial for selecting the appropriate treatment, as different causes require different therapies,” Luong emphasized.
The research group has secured patents for automated assessment of image quality in cardiac ultrasound and is among the pioneers in Canada to integrate multiple AI models into a single platform. This innovative system is capable of detecting indicators of heart failure, prioritizing patients in real-time, and facilitating earlier interventions by clinicians, particularly beneficial for smaller or rural communities that face challenges in accessing specialized care.
Dr. Purang Abolmaesumi, a professor of computer engineering at UBC and a project lead, pointed out that the technology is intended to aid physicians in their decision-making rather than replace them. “AI serves as a co-pilot in the decision-making process for physicians,” Abolmaesumi remarked. “It acts as support, not a substitute.”
The project is set to enter its pilot phase next year, where the technology will undergo testing in actual clinical environments at Vancouver General Hospital. Luong expressed optimism that this advancement will lead to quicker, more accurate, and more accessible heart failure diagnoses, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes throughout the province.
