AI is making its mark across healthcare fields, with over 1,000 AI models now cleared by the FDA. A large portion of these advancements directly impact cardiology—more specifically, cardiac sonography.
Interpreting cardiac ultrasounds has become more complex and time-consuming for clinicians: With the shift toward a more quantitative analysis, there are more parameters for clinicians to measure. At the same time, the growing prevalence of complex cardiovascular conditions means assessing more nuanced, multifaceted presentations of heart disease.
Here’s a look at how AI ultrasound and other tech innovations are helping cardiologists work faster while driving better outcomes for patients.
AI's Impact on Cardiac Sonography
The impact of AI starts with acquiring images of the heart. Current AI tools help sonographers capture high-quality ultrasound images through instantaneous feedback and making sure that all necessary anatomical views are obtained. This limits the need for repeat scans, giving sonographers more minutes back in their day. It also ensures that clinicians have access to the highest quality images for diagnosis and treatment.
When it comes to analyzing images, AI tools can automatically measure heart chamber size, calculate ejection fractions, and provide automated measurements for 2D, doppler and M-mode in the routine echo exam. Collecting this data accurately, and in mere seconds, supports faster, more standardized assessments. These same tools can also flag potential abnormalities like valvular dysfunctions that prompt clinicians to further investigate issues and potentially catch otherwise undetected conditions.
Other Advancements Making a Mark in Echocardiography
Alongside these AI-driven innovations, other cardiac care technologies are gaining traction in the field.
Rapid insights are equipping medical professionals with the tools they need to make swift, informed decisions in critical moments. Whether responding to emergency situations or extending high-quality care to those who may have previously faced barriers to access, these innovations are helping to bridge gaps in the delivery of healthcare.
At the same time, there is a greater emphasis on comfort and efficiency in the patient journey. Thoughtfully designed environments and seamless imaging experiences are helping to ease patient anxiety, creating a more supportive and effective approach to cardiac care.
5 Examples of Innovations Shaping Cardiac Ultrasound
Now that we’ve introduced some of the benefits of AI, it only makes sense to look at examples of this tech currently making these outcomes possible. We’ve highlighted five innovations that are changing sonography for the better.
ACUSON Origin
The ACUSON Origin ultrasound system from Siemens Healthineers may look similar to other ultrasound machines, but it features more than 5600+ AI-powered measurements fueled by nearly 2 billion cardiac images across multiple modalities. The system also boasts a sophisticated array of 14 transducers, each meticulously designed to deliver precision, clarity, and versatility in cardiovascular imaging.
With the ACUSON Origin, sonographers can utilize a full suite of AI technologies to provide instant view recognition as well as full analysis of all four chambers of the heart in seconds, including ejection fraction and cardiac strain analysis. It supports the use of strain with contrast imaging, which can be especially beneficial with chemo patients who may otherwise be difficult to image.
With best-in-class AI technology, ACUSON Origin ensures high-quality imaging and precise diagnostics, supporting clinicians in tackling the growing complexity of cardiovascular cases.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Technology
POCUS technology is bringing real-time imaging directly to the bedside. Cardiologists can quickly evaluate variables like heart size, structure and function—assessing murmurs, flows and potential valve disease.
Immediate access to cardiac insights has proven to be a critical tool in emergency medicine. In fact, of the high-risk cases where POCUS would have been the most helpful, this research study had cardiac and lung at the top of the list.
While promising in many respects, POCUS does come with limitations. Image quality can be limited compared to traditional ultrasound machines, and standardization remains an ongoing consideration. Advancements in AI-driven analysis are helping to bridge these gaps.
EchoSolv™
On a given day, a single department may conduct up to 50 echo exams. For clinicians, that means having to come up with a diagnosis 50 times a day as well, often in minutes.
Echo IQ’s EchoSolv™ leverages the largest global database of echocardiograms linked to mortality to identify patients at risk for aortic stenosis in less than three seconds. The system includes an algorithm trained on nearly half a million patients, and automatically flags the most urgent cases for patient prioritization.
Echo IQ’s technology has the potential to improve patient quality of care, assist interventional cardiologists in more accurately and easily detecting aortic stenosis, reduce costs for healthcare facilities, and reduce unconscious bias.
ChatGPT
Sonographers and cardiologists are managing high patient volumes while making sure that imaging reports are accurate and understandable. AI-powered tools like ChatGPT are helping to balance this load by generating structured reports, summarizing key findings, and translating complex results into clear, patient-friendly language.
One study found that 73% of ChatGPT-generated explanations of echocardiograms were suitable to send to patients without modifications. It’s a nod to AI’s ability to distill technical information into accessible insights that reduce patient anxiety and give clinicians more time to focus on care.
AI-driven chat models can also support sonographer education and training. From providing quick refreshers on best practices to guidance on complex use cases, ChatGPT can help shore up knowledge gaps and support continuous learning—with human oversight remaining critical at every step.
Spa-Like Sonography Suites
Many of the advancements in cardiac sonography focus on technology, but it’s not just the technology that’s evolved: It’s also the space where ultrasound equipment resides.
Sonography suites are becoming less clinical and more inviting spaces for patients. Soft, adjustable lighting reduces glares, while muted wall colors and nature-inspired elements provide a more tranquil feel. Sound-absorbing materials on walls and floors minimizes echoes, while noise-masking systems further enhance patient relaxation.
These elements, combined with the inclusion of quieter, more accessible equipment, help reduce anxiety and physical discomfort for patients during exams—which in turn enhances efficiency and minimizes fatigue for sonographers.
What’s Next for Cardiac Sonography?
AI has become a valuable support tool for cardiac sonography. As algorithms continue to mature, future cardiac sonography tools will integrate more advanced analytics that give clinicians greater insight into current conditions as well as future risks.
At Cassling, we’re proud to be part of this emerging generation of cardiac sonography. As the volume and complexity of cardiovascular cases rise, we aim to deliver solutions that help hospitals and healthcare facilities keep up with demand while delivering exceptional patient care.
Learn more about how we can support your cardiac care. Contact us today.
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