Diagnostic precision
The HEMOLENS method is based on the latest recommendations from international scientific societies for non-invasive, quick and accurate diagnostics of coronary artery disease.
The HEMOLENS method is based on the latest recommendations from international scientific societies for non-invasive, quick and accurate diagnostics of coronary artery disease.
Coronary artery diseaseCoronary artery disease (CAD), also known as ischemic heart disease (IHD), involves a number of symptoms caused by the considerable narrowing of the lumen of coronary arteries – the blood vessels that provide nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle. This narrowing leads to an insufficient blood supply and oxygen deficiency in the heart muscle.
The disease manifests with chest pain or discomfort, and possible shortness of breath. Patients who present these symptoms should be referred for a diagnostic work-up for ischemic heart disease.
Sometimes, the first sign of CAD is myocardial infarction: intense chest pain, discomfort, and dyspnea that usually persists for over 20 minutes at rest and does not subside with the administration of nitroglycerine. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Diagnosing stable coronary artery disease (i.e. when a myocardial infarction or stroke are not suspected) is a stepwise process:
Medical and treatment history including risk factor analysis
Physical examination (including auscultation of the heart and lungs)
Additional tests listed below
Blood tests are recommended as part of the diagnostic work-up, including cholesterol and glucose levels as well as other essential laboratory assays.
An ECG is a record of the electrical activity of the heart. It helps diagnose myocardial infarction, ischemia, and arrhythmias.
A test performed on a treadmill under continuous ECG monitoring, used to evaluate myocardial ischemia. Currently, this is considered less effective than other functional tests and imaging methods (such as CT, scintigraphy etc.) in diagnosing ischemic heart disease.
In lieu of exercise, medication is given to induce stress conditions, increasing the heart rate and blood pressure. Myocardial contractility is then examined by ultrasound to compare the pre- and post-medication status.
An ultrasound test to assess the size of cardiac chambers, valve status and cardiac function.
An invasive contrast-enhanced examination (requiring arterial puncture at the wrist or groin) which allows for visualizing coronary vessels and potential stenosis. The test can be extended to include additional invasive hemodynamic measurements (FFR or other) which drive patient qualification for stenting or further conservative treatment with appropriate medication.
An imaging test where tracking the administered radioactive marker makes it possible to assess the level of myocardial ischemia.
Contrast-enhanced CT imaging of the coronary arteries is an invasive procedure which helps visualize the coronary vessels and potential stenoses.
Hemolens Diagnostics has developed a non-invasive method of assessing the degree of coronary stenosis without resorting to the invasive procedures of coronary angiography and hemodynamic measurements.
Our method is based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and continuous non-invasive blood pressure (CNBP) monitoring. These inputs makes it possible to generate quantitative and functional information from CCTA and CNBP data. The output of a 3D reconstruction of the coronary network and subsequent functional values (fractional flow reserve, FFR) can allow the overseeing physician to establish the status of coronary artery disease and plan the treatment or further diagnostic work-up. HEMOLENS FRR-CT diagnostic tools reduce the necessity for invasive procedures such as coronary angiography when it may not be needed. This also reduces the risks associated with invasive procedures for patients that do not need these procedures.
CCTA – Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography
CNBP – Continuous Non-invasive Blood Pressure
The HEMOLENS technology helps to the overseeing physician choose the best treatment strategy for select patients where it may not otherwise be clear. The 3D model displays FFR values acros coronary arteries, and thereby allows the overseeing physician to interpret whether a stenosis significantly disturbs arterial blood flow.This makes it possible for the physician to make informed decisions about further treatment (medication or interventions such as stenting or bypass surgery).
HEMOLENS diagnostics is applicable to patients who have not yet been diagnosed as well as to patients with established stable coronary artery disease in order to determine the optimal management plan.
In order to undergo the HEMOLENS diagnostic process, you need to have coronary CT images of sufficient quality and continuous non-invasive blood pressure (CNBP) results.
The procedure can be performed in all cases, provided that the CT record is of sufficient quality. To date, our experience is primarily based on patients with no history of stent implantation or bypass surgery and without massive calcification of the coronary artery walls.
