WVU Hospitals wins HeartFlow CT Quality Award for second quarter of 2022

The Computed Tomography (CT) Department at WVU Medicine WVU Hospitals (WVUH) has earned its first-ever HeartFlow CT Quality Award in the second quarter of 2022.

Recipients of the HeartFlow CT Quality Award are determined based on metrics assessing the quality and adoption of a medical center’s cardiovascular imaging program. Recipients of the award are in the top 20 percent of global medical centers providing patients with a better pathway for identifying and understanding their heart health by using coronary CT and the HeartFlow Analysis.

HeartFlow Analysis is a first-of-its-kind non-invasive technology to aid physicians in the diagnoses of coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common form of heart disease. It takes data from a patient’s non-invasive coronary CT angiography and leverages algorithms using deep learning (a form of AI) and highly-trained analysts to create a personalized, digital 3D model of the patient’s coronary arteries. It then uses powerful computer algorithms to simulate blood flow and assess the impact of blockages on blood flow to the heart. Within hours, the HeartFlow Analysis is provided to the patient’s physician via a secure web interface and provides information on the extent of a patient’s arterial blockage and the impact the blockage has on blood flow to the heart. The process has been used for more than 100,000 patients with suspected heart disease and offers the highest diagnostic accuracy available from a non-invasive test. More than 300 patients have received a HeartFlow Analysis at WVUH since it was introduced in 2016.

“We are very fortunate here at WVUH to have the most cutting-edge technology and capabilities to provide the best imaging and care to our patients,” Crystal Rosenberger, manager, imaging services, CT and ultrasound, WVUH, said “Our CT Cardiac program is very strong and made possible by the collaboration between radiology, cardiology, and our highly-skilled technologists.”

An internal 3D imaging lab with specially-trained technologists has been “vital in creating a seamless workflow between the radiologists, cardiologists, and Heartflow,” she said.

Cathy Kim, MD, section chief, cardiothoracic radiology at WVUH, said, “We are delighted to provide non-invasive imaging, CT coronary, and HeartFlow CT-FFR for our patients. With the combined effort of the radiology and cardiology department, we aim to provide advanced, precise, and exceptional treatment of care."

The CT Cardiac Program team is pictured below with the award.