New Non-Invasive Test Can Help Physicians Diagnose and Treat Heart Disease, and Reduce Costs
FAIRFAX, VA – JAN. 29, 2021
Fairfax Radiology Centers announced today that it is the only outpatient health care center in Northern Virginia to adopt the HeartFlow Analysis, 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. The next closest outpatient center to offer HeartFlow is in Richmond.
CAD is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.1 CAD develops when the arteries leading to the heart narrow or become blocked, which may lead to a reduction in blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain, heart attacks and death. Despite being the most common form of heart disease, studies have shown there is a need to improve how CAD is evaluated and diagnosed. Many of the non-invasive tests available today have low accuracy rates in detecting CAD. Additionally, a recent study found more than half of patients with suspected CAD who underwent an invasive coronary angiogram (ICA) had no need for intervention, since no blood flow-limiting blockage was found during the procedure.2
“Historically, we have been faced using tests that were unable to confirm a significant blockage and often putting a patient through an invasive procedure just to determine whether they would need another invasive procedure to restore blood flow,” said Melany Atkins M.D., FRC Section Chief of Body Imaging. “The HeartFlow Analysis completely changes this paradigm, providing essential information that can help us determine the right approach for a patient through a convenient, non-invasive platform.”
The HeartFlow Analysis takes data from a patient’s non-invasive coronary CTA and leverages deep learning 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 HeartFlow Analysis has been used for over 60,000 patients with suspected heart disease. Additionally, in clinical trials, using the HeartFlow Analysis helped identify which patients do and do not need invasive treatment.3 The use of the HeartFlow Analysis also reduced the cost of care by 26% compared to usual care.4
“The HeartFlow Analysis will help us develop the most appropriate treatment plan for a patient with coronary artery disease without the need for unnecessary and invasive procedures,” Dr. Atkins said. “This is game-changing technology that will be beneficial for both our patients and the organization.”
About Fairfax Radiology Centers
Fairfax Radiology Centers, LLC (FRC), established in 2020 as a joint venture between the physicians of Fairfax Radiological Consultants, P.C., and Inova/Radiology Imaging Associates, is the largest radiology practice in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. With over 90 subspecialized radiologists and 800 employees, FRC provides leading-edge medical imaging at more than 20 outpatient locations throughout Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland. FRC works with local hospitals and health care providers to deliver an excellent patient experience and top quality, specialized care for the better health of our community.
- American Heart Association.
- Patel, et al., Am Heart J 2014; 167:846-852.e2.
- Douglas, et al., Euro Heart J 2015.
- Douglas, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2016; 68:435-45