Hackensack University Medical Center Imaging and Radiology Adopts HeartFlow Analysis

New Non-Invasive Test Can Help Physicians Diagnose and Treat Heart Disease

Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center announced it is the first hospital in New Jersey to adopt the HeartFlow Analysis, a first-of-its-kind noninvasive technology to aid physicians in the diagnoses of coronary artery disease (CAD).

According to the American Heart Association, CAD is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. CAD develops when the arteries leading to the heart narrow or become blocked, which may lead to a reduction in blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain, heart attacks and death. Despite being the most common form of heart disease, studies have shown there is a need to improve how CAD is evaluated and diagnosed. Many of the noninvasive tests available today have low accuracy rates in detecting CAD. Additionally, a recent study found more than half of the patients with suspected CAD who underwent an invasive coronary angiogram (ICA) had no need for intervention, since no blood flow-limiting blockage was found during the procedure.

“This technology provides essential information that can help determine the right approach for a patient with coronary artery disease through this convenient, noninvasive platform,” said Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, president, Hackensack University Medical Center, executive vice president, Population Health, Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are excited to be the first in New Jersey to be able to offer the HeartFlow Analysis to our patients.”

With data from a patient’s noninvasive coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) and leveraging deep learning, HeartFlow creates a personalized, digital 3D model of the patient’s coronary arteries. Powerful computer algorithms are used to simulate blood flow and assess the impact of blockages on blood flow to the heart. Within hours, the patient’s physician receives the HeartFlow Analysis via a secure web interface - providing information on the extent of a patient’s arterial blockage and the impact the blockage has on blood flow to the heart.

“The HeartFlow Analysis will help us develop the most appropriate treatment plan for a patient with coronary artery disease without the need for unnecessary and stressful procedures,” said Sean Pierce, M.D., chair, Department of Radiology, Hackensack University Medical Center. “This is potentially game-changing technology that will be beneficial for both our patients and Hackensack University Medical Center.”

“The HeartFlow Analysis is a major advance in our ability to noninvasively identify patients with significant coronary artery disease,” said Joseph E. Parrillo, M.D., Justice Marie L. Garibaldi endowed chair, Heart & Vascular Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center; and professor and chair, Department of Cardiology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University.

About Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center

Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center, a 781-bed nonprofit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County, NJ, is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in the state. Founded in 1888 as the county’s first hospital, it is now part of one of the largest networks in the state comprised of 33,000 team members and more than 6,500 physicians. Hackensack University Medical Center was listed as one of the top two hospitals in New Jersey in U.S. News & World Report’s 2018-19 Best Hospital rankings. It was also named one of the top five New York Metro Area hospitals. Hackensack University Medical Center is one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more years in a row. Becker’s Hospital Review recognized Hackensack University Medical Center as one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America 2018. The medical center is one of the top 25 green hospitals in the country according to Practice Greenhealth, and received 25 Gold Seals of Approval™ by The Joint Commission – more than any other hospital in the country. It was the first hospital in New Jersey and second in the nation to become a Magnet? recognized hospital for nursing excellence; receiving its fifth consecutive designation in 2014. Hackensack University Medical Center has created an entire campus of award-winning care, including: the John Theurer Cancer Center; the Heart & Vascular Hospital; and the Sarkis and Siran Gabrellian Women’s and Children’s Pavilion, which houses the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and Donna A. Sanzari Women’s Hospital, which was designed with The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center? and listed on the Green Guide’s list of Top 10 Green Hospitals in the U.S. Hackensack University Medical Center is the Hometown Hospital of the New York Giants and the New York Red Bulls and is Official Medical Services Provider to THE NORTHERN TRUST PGA Golf Tournament. It remains committed to its community through fundraising and community events especially the Tackle Kids Cancer Campaign providing much needed research at the Children’s Cancer Institute housed at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. To learn more, visit www.HackensackUMC.org.