HeartFlow's AI-driven FFRCT (Fractional Flow Reserve Computed Tomography) Analysis software continues to demonstrate significant benefits in the evaluation and management of coronary artery disease (CAD), according to new data presented at TCT 2024. The analysis of data from the ADVANCE-DK trial highlights the long-term benefits of using coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with HeartFlow's FFRCT Analysis in high-risk patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). The study confirms that CCTA helps avoid unnecessary invasive assessments, and the addition of FFRCT Analysis provides an even greater impact on limiting such treatments.
Enhanced Lesion Identification
The ADVANCE-DK data indicated that CCTA alone had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.65 for identifying significant lesions likely to benefit from revascularization. However, when FFRCT Analysis was used to assess these findings, the AUC increased to 0.84, demonstrating a substantial improvement in diagnostic accuracy.
Expert Commentary
"The ADVANCE-DK data show that our technologies go beyond identifying the immediate risks of CAD to include long-term residual risks across the spectrum of the disease," said Campbell Rogers, MD, HeartFlow’s chief medical officer. "Data from patients with high-risk NSTE-ACS further suggest lesion-specific FFRCT provides an enhanced capability to avoid unnecessary invasive tests. With HeartFlow, clinicians receive actionable insights and data that are currently missing from traditional non-invasive and invasive diagnostic tools."
Expanding Access and Recognition
HeartFlow has also experienced positive developments regarding healthcare policies. Their Plaque Analysis software has received improved Medicare coverage due to a new local coverage determination (LCD) approved by multiple Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs). Furthermore, the American Medical Association (AMA) issued a new Category I CPT code covering the same software, signifying its status as an established medical procedure.
Medicare Expansion
More recently, a fifth MAC agreed to cover Plaque Analysis, ensuring broader access to HeartFlow's AI-powered software for Medicare patients. "We commend the MACs for recognizing the value and critical role of AI-enabled plaque quantification technologies in cardiovascular disease management," stated John Farquhar, HeartFlow’s CEO.
