MemorialCare Introduces Cutting-Edge AI Heart Disease Analysis in Los Angeles

MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute Implements AI Technology

In a groundbreaking move for cardiac care, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute has announced the implementation of Cleerly®—an FDA-cleared, artificial intelligence-powered coronary analysis tool. This innovative technology will be utilized across several MemorialCare facilities, including Long Beach Medical Center, Orange Coast Medical Center, and Saddleback Medical Center, making it the first to offer such services in Los Angeles County.

The Cleerly technology enhances traditional coronary CT angiography by identifying, measuring, and characterizing plaque accumulation in the coronary arteries. Plaque buildup is a leading cause of heart attacks, and the detection of both calcified and non-calcified (soft) plaque is vital in assessing cardiac risk.

Dr. Christina Rodriguez Ruiz, a cardiologist and the medical director at the Advanced Cardiac Imaging department of MemorialCare, emphasizes the importance of this new analysis. "Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., often going unnoticed until a heart attack occurs. Cleerly enables us to quantify total plaque and specifically soft plaque, which has a higher risk of rupturing and leading to a heart attack," she explained. The ability to detect and quantify these risks early can significantly alter treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.

Enhanced Detection Capabilities

Traditionally, coronary imaging has prioritized calcified plaque, often neglecting the subtler, riskier soft plaque that can lead to acute cardiac events. The Cleerly system utilizes advanced AI algorithms trained to recognize these differences on CT images, increasing the accuracy of assessments. By flagging fatty buildups that are often indistinguishable from surrounding tissue during standard analysis, physicians can gain deeper insights into a patient's cardiovascular health.

The rollout of Cleerly technology across MemorialCare aims to provide Southern California patients with cutting-edge, non-invasive cardiac imaging, ultimately enhancing the accessibility of vital heart health screenings. "This initiative displays our commitment to innovation that tangibly improves patient care," Dr. Rodriguez Ruiz stated.

Noninvasive Analysis and Timely Results

One of the key advantages of the Cleerly analysis is that it is a non-invasive procedure, eliminating the need for surgery or lengthy hospital stays. Patients undergoing this analysis at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute can expect their results to be available promptly, with a thorough review conducted by board-certified physicians. This ensures that patients can discuss their heart health and outline the next steps in their care plans during personalized consultations.

Cleerly's efficacy has been established through various multicenter clinical trials, including findings published in the European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Imaging. These studies reinforce the reliability of Cleerly's technology in assessing coronary artery disease, setting a new benchmark for cardiac care. For an overview of Cleerly's clinical research, interested parties can explore their website for a complete list of publications.

Coverage and Accessibility

Insurance coverage for Cleerly's AI-powered coronary analysis includes Medicare, and several major commercial insurers have begun recognizing the technology's value for symptomatic patients. This is a crucial step in increasing accessibility to advanced cardiac care. Individuals interested in the Cleerly analysis are encouraged to reach out to MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute or consult their insurance providers for confirmation of coverage.

For further details or to schedule an appointment for Cleerly analysis, visit the MemorialCare website or contact them directly. As MemorialCare continues to lead in innovative cardiac services, the integration of Cleerly technology stands as a notable advancement in the ongoing battle against heart diseases.

About MemorialCare

MemorialCare operates as a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system with over 200 care locations throughout the region. Their facilities include Saddleback Medical Center and Orange Coast Medical Center, along with specialized institutes for various health needs. Recognition for MemorialCare's excellence includes accolades like Healthgrades America’s Top 250 Hospital and high performance ratings in numerous clinical categories.

About Cleerly

Cleerly is dedicated to transforming cardiac care through innovative solutions aimed at eliminating heart attacks. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Cleerly focuses on comprehensive assessments of coronary artery disease, enhancing health literacy across the entire coronary care spectrum. For more information on their initiatives, visit Cleerly's official website.