WVU improves early detection of CAD, leveraging Bunkerhill to identify undiagnosed CAC in 7% of patients

2,220

Patients received a CT for non-cardiac reasons over a 4-month period.

60.5%

Of 2,220 patients, 1,331 had a CAC score ≥ 100.

7.3%

passed our filters and were unaware of their condition.

Health system

WVU Medicine

Headquarters

Morgantown, WV

# of beds

3,083

# of clinicians

9,112

The challenge

WVU Heart and Vascular Institute faced a high number of at-risk patients within their population and needed a way to improve early detection of coronary artery disease using existing imaging processes, without requiring additional tests or orders from physicians.

The solution

Bunkerhill Health’s AI-powered coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening tool provided automated, real-time Agatston scoring and MESA risk percentiles using non-gated, non-contrast chest CT scans.

About West Virginia University

The WVU Heart and Vascular Institute is a recognized leader in cardiovascular care, committed to adopting innovative technologies that enhance patient outcomes and streamline care delivery.

Previously, early detection of coronary artery disease at WVU required manual physician intervention, including special orders for gated cardiac CTs, leading to delays and missed opportunities for proactive care.

A look at their success

Enhanced early detection and risk stratification for coronary artery disease, enabling timely and personalized follow-up care for high-risk patients.

Streamlined workflows with the AI tool running in the background of routine chest CTs, reducing the need for additional diagnostic imaging and minimizing physician workload.

Improved patient outcomes through preventive measures, including lifestyle interventions and timely medical treatments, based on accurate and early risk assessments.

“Coronary artery calcium is a powerful predictor of future risk of coronary heart disease. Its early detection through this AI algorithm can help identify high-risk patients that would benefit from preventive measures to improve their outcomes.”

Irfan Zeb, M.D.

Cardiologist at WVU Heart and Vascular Institute