STONY BROOK, N.Y. — Stony Brook Medicine has become the first healthcare provider on Long Island — and among a limited group nationwide — to adopt HeartFlow Plaque Analysis™, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology designed to enhance the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD).
The technology integrates CT scan imaging with AI algorithms to produce a virtual 3D model of a patient’s heart arteries. This allows physicians to better assess the presence and severity of plaque buildup, a key factor in heart disease.
Implemented through a partnership between Stony Brook’s Division of Cardiology and Department of Radiology, the new system marks a significant step forward in combating CAD — the most common form of heart disease and a leading cause of death among U.S. adults.
“Many patients come to us only after years of silent disease progression, often with irreversible heart damage,” said Dr. On Chen, interventional cardiologist and Director of the Center for Advanced Lipid Management. “HeartFlow enables us to detect plaque earlier and more accurately, potentially preventing the need for unnecessary catheterizations and helping us better protect heart health in our community.”
CAD occurs when cholesterol deposits, or plaque, accumulate in the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. This condition can result in chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart attacks if left untreated.
Early detection is critical — especially on Long Island, where rates of diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension are higher than the national average. These conditions are all major risk factors for CAD.
The HeartFlow technology is particularly valuable for high-risk patients and those with uncertain or inconclusive results from previous heart tests, such as stress tests or chest pain evaluations.
Dr. Park, a cardiologist at Stony Brook, emphasized the importance of patient awareness: “We encourage individuals to speak with their doctors about this new technology or schedule a consultation with a Stony Brook cardiologist. It could make all the difference in catching heart disease before it becomes critical.”
Stony Brook Medicine continues to expand its use of innovative tools to improve patient care and early intervention in cardiovascular health.
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