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In a groundbreaking development in cardiovascular medicine, researchers at the University of Galway have successfully conducted heart bypass surgery using a non-invasive approach for the first time. The landmark clinical trial, known as the FAST TRACK CABG study, has revolutionized the guidance, planning, and execution of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.
Led by the University’s CORRIB Research Centre for Advanced Imaging and Core Lab, the study utilized cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to plan and perform heart bypass surgery solely based on non-invasive cardiac CT scan images, coupled with HeartFlow’s AI-powered blood flow analysis of the patient’s coronary arteries.
Published today in the prestigious European Heart Journal, the study revealed a remarkable 99.1% feasibility rate, demonstrating the safety and efficacy of performing heart bypass surgery without the need for invasive diagnostic catheterization. This groundbreaking approach leverages the diagnostic accuracy of cardiac CT scans and AI-powered blood flow analysis to guide surgical interventions.
Sponsored by the University of Galway and funded by GE Healthcare and HeartFlow, Inc., the trial involved 114 patients with severe blockages in multiple vessels. The results of the FAST TRACK CABG trial showed comparable safety and effectiveness to conventional invasive angiogram investigations, with outcomes similar to recent surgical groups.
Professor Patrick W Serruys, Chairman of the trial and Established Professor of Interventional Medicine and Innovation at the University of Galway, hailed the results as a potential game-changer in cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment. He emphasized the role of the CORRIB Core Lab in spearheading innovations in coronary artery disease management.
The study’s non-invasive approach relied on high-resolution cardiovascular imagery and data analysis conducted by the CORRIB Core Lab team, transmitted to surgeons via telemedicine. The HeartFlowTM Analysis, utilizing AI-powered blood flow analysis derived from CT scans, aided surgeons in identifying vessels requiring bypass grafts with unprecedented precision.
Dr. Yoshi Onuma, Professor of Interventional Cardiology at the University of Galway and Medical Director of the CORRIB Research Centre, underscored the importance of minimizing invasive diagnostic procedures for patient comfort and healthcare cost reduction.
Dr. John Puskas, a key collaborator from Mount Sinai Morningside, New York, and Emory University Hospital Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, lauded the study’s findings, affirming the superior diagnostic precision and surgical planning facilitated by non-invasive coronary CT scans.
The groundbreaking research marks a significant advancement in cardiovascular medicine, offering new hope for patients with coronary artery disease and paving the way for transformative changes in surgical practices. As non-invasive techniques continue to evolve, they hold the potential to revolutionize patient care and enhance outcomes in cardiovascular surgery.
