Scientists found that heart ultrasound images interpreted using AI are as effective as using a typical ultrasound machine operated by an expert in measuring the pumping action of the organ, dpa quoted PA Media as saying.
Moreover, while a standard analysis of an echocardiogram with a human operator takes around 30 minutes, the AI is able to interpret the images in just one minute.
Researchers highlighted that this is a huge reduction in clinical time and said it has the potential to significantly speed up heart failure diagnosis waiting times.
The findings come from the OPERA study, a collaboration between the University of Glasgow, AstraZeneca, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Golden Jubilee, to assess the effectiveness of AI technology in patients with heart failure.
"We have shown that AI can interpret echocardiogram images accurately, and given that AI can produce a report in a fraction of the time, this could really make a difference in allowing us to make early diagnosis of heart failure possible," said Dr. Ross Campbell, from the University of Glasgow, commenting on the new OPERA results.
It is estimated that more than a million people in the UK are living with heart failure, a serious condition where the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly.
The latest OPERA results show that using AI to interpret echocardiogram images could allow early diagnosis, say researchers.
Faster analysis of scans could also help NHS to reduce waiting times and help alleviate pressures on the healthcare system.
Dr. Ed Piper, medical and scientific affairs director at AstraZeneca UK, said: "The results of the OPERA study show how innovative technology, including AI, has the potential to streamline the diagnosis of heart failure so that patients receive the care they need at the earliest opportunity to improve their outcomes."
The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Conference in Amsterdam, which ended on Monday.
Source: Saudi Press Agency