There are big opportunities to use AI (artificial intelligence) in healthcare. Consider the example of deep vein thrombosis, which is a condition that occurs when blood clots develop in veins, in legs, and block blood flow, and impacts up to 300,000 Americans every year. In severe cases, these clots can become dislodged and travel to either the heart or lungs, causing stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.
Historically, detection takes place via a duplex ultrasound performed by a trained vascular technologist or sonographer in a designated ultrasound lab. But now AI can help during point-of-care—and some hospitals are beginning to move to this method.
As one example, at Allegheny General Hospital, AI has helped detect deep vein thrombosis in cardiac patients. Here AI-powered ultrasound technology can be used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis, from point-of-care images captured by a clinician using a handheld scanner and smartphone.
Here is how this can help:
- Clinicians can capture images of veins in the exam room or at the bedside.
- Improve patient outcomes by speeding up detection.
- Address the healthcare worker shortage by giving tools to any healthcare staff rather than just sonogram-trained technicians.
Throughout the clinical trial, workers at Allegheny General Hospital will use both the traditional method and the AI method and they will compare and assess the validity of the technology. This hospital joins two others nationwide that are also participating in this clinical trial. The trial will finish and publish its results later this year in preparation for subsequent FDA submission.