HeartFlow logo
NICE Guidance Recommends HeartFlow FFRct Analysis to Help Determine
Cause of Stable Chest Pain in Patients
PRESS RELEASE
Embargo until February 13, 2017 01.01am GMT
London, UK
NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) issued guidance today for
use of the HeartFlow® FFRct Analysis to help determine the cause of stable chest pain
in patients. Developed by HeartFlow, Inc., the HeartFlow FFRct Analysis is the first non-
invasive technology to provide insight into both the extent of coronary artery disease
and the impact that disease has on blood flow to the heart, enabling clinicians to select
an appropriate treatment.
NICE recommends the HeartFlow FFRct Analysis for patients with stable recent onset
chest pain. Based on the evidence, it concluded the technology is safe, has a high level
of diagnostic accuracy and may avoid the need for invasive coronary angiography. The
committee further concluded that, when compared to all other tests, use of the
HeartFlow FFRct Analysis could save the NHS approximately £214 per patient
(equating to £9.1million/year in NHS England alone) through avoiding unnecessary
invasive tests and treatment.
Today’s guidance follows chest pain guidelines issued by NICE in November 2016,
recommending non-invasive coronary CT angiography (cCTA) as the initial diagnostic
test for patients with stable chest pain. NICE now recommends the HeartFlow FFRct
Analysis as the most cost effective option when additional information is needed by the
clinician.
HeartFlow’s process starts with data from a standard, non-invasive cCTA. Leveraging
deep learning, an advanced form of artificial intelligence, HeartFlow creates a
personalised, 3D model of each patient’s arteries. Powerful computer algorithms then
solve millions of complex equations to simulate blood flow and assess the impact of
blockages in the arteries. With this actionable information, physicians can determine the
right course of action for each patient.
“The HeartFlow FFRct Analysis provides a definitive understanding of both the
anatomical and functional findings, without any additional testing or risk for patients,”
said Dr. Joseph Mills, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. “Application of the HeartFlow
FFRct Analysis is likely to transform the quality of care we can provide for patients,
ensuring the most accurate diagnosis and the best treatment plan, as well reducing the
need for invasive coronary angiography - a procedure not without its risks.”
Following some chest pain and increasing difficulty with exercise, John Roberts, 50 of
Southport, took part in trial use of the technology. "I feel extremely lucky to have had
access to the non-invasive HeartFlow FFRct Analysis. It’s given me a complete second
chance - it showed my doctor that I needed a stent to address my blockage and help
prevent a heart attack. I am so grateful that I was able to get the treatment that was
right for me at the right time - it’s been absolutely life changing and I’m already back to
doing my 10k runs. ”
“The NICE guidance reinforces the value of the HeartFlow Analysis and affirms this
technology can improve the way coronary artery disease is diagnosed and treated,” said
John H. Stevens, M.D., chairman and CEO of HeartFlow. “We appreciate NICE’s
thorough review of HeartFlow’s technology and believe their detailed assessment will be
a valuable resource for providers and payers seeking to improve patient care.”
Coronary artery disease, also called coronary heart disease, is the leading cause of
death for both men and women around the world. Coronary artery disease develops
when the arteries leading to the heart narrow, often because plaque builds up in the
vessel walls. Narrowing of the arteries can reduce blood flow to the heart, causing chest
pain, heart attacks and death. Coronary artery disease is also one of the costliest
medical diseases in the world today.
For more information about the HeartFlow FFRct Analysis and centers that offer the
technology, please call 0800 031 5265 or email info-uk@heartflow.com.
About HeartFlow Inc.
HeartFlow, Inc. is a personalized medical technology company seeking to transform the
way cardiovascular disease is diagnosed and treated. The company’s HeartFlow FFRct
Analysis is the first available non-invasive solution that enables a physician to more
accurately evaluate whether a patient has significant coronary artery disease (CAD)
based on both anatomy and physiology. The solution, which leverages deep learning to
create a personalized 3D model of the patient’s arteries, is well positioned to become an
integral part of the standard of care for patients who are at risk for CAD because of its
potential to improve clinical outcomes, improve the patient experience and reduce the
cost of care. The HeartFlow FFRct Analysis is available in the United States, Canada,
Europe and Japan. For more information visit heartflow.com/uk.
# # #
Media Contact:
Claudia Orrell
Medeuronet (UK) Ltd
07968537714
Chris B. Ernst
HeartFlow, Inc.
+1 415.710.9445
CCM-100-125-A