AI Detects Heart Defects Faster Than Ever
A recent study has found that artificial intelligence (AI) can help doctors identify fetal heart defects more quickly and accurately, potentially improving newborn survival rates. The AI-aided analysis of prenatal ultrasounds showed enhanced detection of heart defects compared to traditional evaluations by doctors. This breakthrough was presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine meeting in Denver, where Dr. Jennifer Lam-Rachlin, the study’s lead researcher, highlighted the potential of AI to significantly impact neonatal outcomes and transform clinical practices.
The research revealed that about 1 in 4 babies born with heart defects requires medical treatment, including surgery, within their first year. Prenatal ultrasounds can detect these defects early, but they are often reviewed by doctors without specialized training. Studies have shown that many ultrasounds are analyzed by OB-GYNs or other non-specialists, leading to lower detection rates for congenital heart defects, even in developed countries like the U.S.
In the study, 14 doctors, including OB-GYNs and maternal-fetal medicine specialists, reviewed 200 prenatal ultrasounds, with and without the help of AI. The results indicated that AI significantly improved the ability to detect potential heart defects, regardless of the doctors’ experience or specialty. Doctors were also able to make decisions more quickly and confidently when AI was used, highlighting its usefulness in a clinical setting.
AI’s impact was particularly notable for detecting defects in low-risk pregnancies, where OB-GYNs are more likely to be the primary healthcare provider rather than maternal-fetal specialists. The study’s findings are important because many congenital heart defects occur in pregnancies that would typically be considered low risk, meaning they might not be closely monitored for heart issues without AI assistance. AI software from BrightHeart, the company behind the technology, was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is set to be commercially launched in the U.S.
BrightHeart’s AI-powered software helps clinicians detect fetal abnormalities earlier and with greater accuracy, offering reassurance to both doctors and expectant families. The technology’s ability to identify congenital heart defects, as well as confirm normal findings, makes it a valuable tool in improving prenatal care and preventing undetected health issues in newborns.
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