Improving CAD Diagnosis with APOLLO: AI for Efficient CTCA Imaging

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global health concern, causing around 17.9 million deaths in 2019, making up 32% of all global deaths¹. In Singapore, 23 people succumb to cardiovascular disease daily, accounting for 31.4% of deaths in 2022². The rise in Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) deaths from 6,990 to 8,456 between 2020 and 2022 highlights the need for advanced diagnostic solutions.

Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography (CTCA) has become a preferred method for CAD diagnosis due to its non-invasiveness, accuracy, and low radiation. However, the increasing demand for CTCA imaging has added strain on specialists and radiologists, leading to fatigue and potential errors.

The APOLLO project integrates AI technologies into CTCA-based CAD diagnosis and reporting workflows. Collaborating with major cardiac centres in Singapore and A*STAR research institutes, APOLLO aims to reduce radiologist workload and enhance diagnostic efficiency, targeting an average workflow time of less than 10 minutes.

APOLLO's innovative approach was honoured with the 4th place award at the AI Health Summit Singapore 2023.

The future of APOLLO includes integrating AI models into a user-friendly, browser-based platform for seamless integration into routine clinical practices in Singapore hospitals, improving CAD diagnoses and patient outcomes.

1: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)

2: https://www.myheart.org.sg/health/heart-disease-statistics/