HeartFocus Link: Bringing AI Cardiac Ultrasound to Every Cart System
HeartFocus Link is a groundbreaking solution developed by the French medtech startup, DESKi, that introduces AI-guided cardiac imaging to any hospital ultrasound machine through a simple tablet and HDMI cable connection. Previously available only on Butterfly Network’s handheld devices, this new product expands access to essential AI-powered echocardiography, addressing the growing shortage of trained sonographers.
Expanding Access to Cardiac Imaging
The launch of HeartFocus Link is significant as it eliminates the need for specialized hardware. With this solution, hospitals and training programs can utilize their existing cart-based ultrasound systems, which are already familiar to users. The software connects seamlessly via a tablet and HDMI cable, providing real-time probe positioning instructions alongside the live ultrasound image.
Key Features and Benefits
- Versatility: Compatible with 10 standard transthoracic echocardiographic views, catering to various clinical needs.
- 3D Guidance System: A patented feature that superimposes instructions directly onto the ultrasound screen, reducing cognitive load and enhancing user experience.
- Auto Record: Automatically captures image clips when predefined quality standards are met, streamlining the saving process during training.
- Real-time Quality Scoring: Provides immediate feedback to trainees, offering an objective measure of image quality.
Addressing the Sonographer Shortage
The demand for ultrasound examinations has been steadily increasing in the US, rising by 55% from 2011 to 2021. However, the sonographer workforce has grown at a slower pace, leading to a significant gap. According to DESKi, only 8% of eligible hospitalized patients receive echocardiography due to this shortage, despite its proven benefits for reducing mortality and improving outcomes.
HeartFocus Link aims to revolutionize cardiac imaging by making it more accessible and efficient, ultimately fostering better patient care. The product is now available for medical schools, residency programs, and ultrasound training institutions, with plans for clinical deployment on cart-based systems in the future.