Donation helps KHSC install new AI cardiac diagnostic tool

Kingston is the first Canadian city to have Heartflow which is being used in the US and the UK.

Kingston Health Sciences Centre is getting a new AI-based heart imaging tool thanks to a local donor.

Heartflow uses artificial intelligence technology that allows radiologists and cardiologists to measure how the blood flows through a patient’s coronary arteries, using only a non-invasive CT scan.

In a news release, Heartflow provides a safer, faster and more accurate diagnosis of low blood flow for patients living with chest pain and suspected coronary artery disease. 

KHSC officials say it will also helps medical teams determine how severe a blockage in a patient’s artery may be without having to undergo an invasive procedure.

The program was created through a $100,000 donation by Stephen Sorensen.

CEO Dr. David Pichora said in a statement that they are able to invest in state-of-the-art technology to improve care for our patients thanks to Sorensen's generosity.

KHSC will be the first hospital in Canada to have Heartflow. It is currently being used in hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom.

They say Heartflow is expected to be fully operational at KHSC this month.

Story by Ken Hashizume