Geisinger Medical Center Muncy adopts novel technology to improve cardiac imaging
HeartFlow Analysis helps physicians diagnose and treat heart disease
Geisinger is the only health system using HeartFlow Analysis in northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania. The technology uses deep learning, a type of artificial intelligence, and highly trained analysts to evaluate data from a patient’s coronary computed tomography (CT) scan and create a personalized, digital 3D model of the patient’s coronary arteries.
This advanced cardiac CT reduces the need for unnecessary invasive procedures, limits unnecessary testing in the Emergency Department and aligns with the latest American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee guidelines for diagnosing chest pain.
CAD is the leading cause of death among Americans. Cholesterol plaques can develop in the coronary arteries – vital blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart. As plaques accumulate, they can obstruct blood flow and lead to heart attacks or disabling symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
“Embracing innovative technology helps us put our patients first,” said George Ruiz, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Department of Cardiology. “With HeartFlow Analysis, no sedation or overnight stay is necessary, and we can obtain critical information easily.”
When examining blood flow in a narrowed artery, cardiologists measure the maximum amount of blood that can flow through the diseased artery compared to the maximum amount of blood that can flow through a healthy artery to determine if delivery of oxygen to the heart has been compromised. This measurement is called fractional flow reserve (FFR), and this diagnostic technique previously required an invasive procedure called cardiac catheterization.
“HeartFlow Analysis uses computer algorithms to simulate blood flow, so we can assess the impact CAD has on blood flow to the heart with a non-invasive test,” said Vishal Mehra, M.D., Geisinger’s chief of advanced cardiac imaging. “This enhances our ability to diagnose and treat patients for whom cardiac catheterization is not appropriate or necessary and to avoid delays for patients who need cardiac catheterization urgently.”
Fractional flow reserve – computed tomography (FFR-CT) is available at all Geisinger hospitals where cardiac CT is performed and is part of a larger strategy to enhance cardiac CT across the system.
About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the non-profit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 134 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses, and Geisinger Health Plan, with 600,000 members in commercial and government plans. The Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,600 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $14 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
