Stony Brook Medicine has become the first healthcare system on Long Island to adopt HeartFlow Plaque Analysis, an artificial intelligence (AI) technology designed to improve the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. This development, a collaboration between the Division of Cardiology and the Department of Radiology at Stony Brook, aims to provide physicians with a more accurate understanding of blockages in patients' coronary arteries.
Dr. Michael Park, a cardiologist at Stony Brook Medicine, highlighted the benefits of this technology: “This innovative AI technology offers comprehensive assessment of a patient’s coronary artery disease with details that were previously unattainable with standard cardiac CT.” He emphasized its potential to enhance personalized treatment plans by accurately describing cholesterol and plaque levels in arteries.
Dr. Hal A. Skopicki, Co-Director of Stony Brook Heart Institute, noted the institution's commitment to advancing heart disease care: “At Stony Brook Medicine, we are continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of heart disease.” The AI technology is initially being implemented at locations in Commack, Stony Brook, and Riverhead.
Coronary artery disease (CAD), affecting nearly half of adults, develops from cholesterol plaque accumulation in arteries. Early detection is crucial for preventing serious events like heart attacks. On Chen, MD, Director of Center for Advanced Lipid Management at Stony Brook Medicine stated: “The ability to detect and accurately characterize plaque at an early stage...give us a significant advantage in improving the health of our community.”
HeartFlow Plaque Analysis uses CT scans combined with AI algorithms to create virtual maps aiding physicians in evaluating plaque burden. Dr. Park encouraged patients to discuss this technology with their doctors or schedule consultations with Stony Brook Cardiologists.
The Stony Brook Heart Institute offers a multidisciplinary program for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment within Long Island’s premier university-based medical center.