May 7, 2024
HOUMA – Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) and Terrebonne General Health System (Terrebonne General) are the first in Louisiana to adopt the CathWorks FFRangio® System in a hospital setting. CIS cardiologists, Drs. Eric Engeron and Vinod Nair, were first to use this diagnostic technology, which combines artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computational science to produce a 3-D model showing the degree and location of blockages in a patient’s coronary arteries.
Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is diagnostic measurement performed during an angiogram that evaluates narrowing and tightening of the coronary arteries. With this new AI tool, interventional cardiologists can perform a clinical assessment in about four minutes, with more comprehensive and reliable FFR values, eliminating the need for drug stimulation or invasive wires which are used in traditional FFR diagnostics.
“I have observed significant improvements in the way we assess and manage coronary artery disease in the cath lab,” said Dr. Nair. “This innovative software generates detailed physiological maps of blood flow and blockages from routine angiographic images, enabling us to evaluate critical factors with greater accuracy and less invasiveness compared to traditional methods. This not only enhances our diagnostic precision but also substantially increases patient safety during procedures. It’s a transformative leap forward in technology that is changing patient care for the better.”
“It’s exciting how AI can be used to help provide care to our patients,” said Dr. Engeron. “This advanced technology is less invasive, easier-to-use and provides valuable information in guiding patient care. I am proud to be part of CIS’s commitment to provide the best care for our patients!”
Phyllis Peoples, CEO of Terrebonne General, is proud of the 41-year partnership with CIS which brings advancements like this to the Bayou Region. “Thanks to our collaboration with CIS and our ongoing commitment to high-quality care, we are able to offer this advanced technology to better serve our patients and community.”