St. Mary’s Health Care System has introduced the Heartflow FFRCT Analysis at its Athens and Greensboro hospitals, providing a new non-invasive diagnostic tool for assessing coronary artery disease (CAD). This technology uses images from a coronary CT angiogram, which are processed using artificial intelligence to create a detailed 3D model of the heart. The model helps physicians visualize how plaque buildup may affect blood flow and assists in diagnosing CAD and evaluating its severity.
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of heart attacks in the United States, occurring about every 40 seconds and accounting for one in five deaths according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many adults with CAD have no symptoms or do not recognize them, making early detection challenging (Cleveland Clinic).
Traditional non-invasive tests for CAD often yield inaccurate results, with studies showing false negative rates between 20% and 30%, potentially leaving cases undetected (Heart International). False positive rates can reach up to 55%, sometimes resulting in unnecessary procedures (American Heart Journal). Identifying precisely where arteries are blocked can help improve treatment plans.
Dr. Erick Avelar, cardiologist at Oconee Heart and Vascular Center and medical director of cardiac imaging at St. Mary’s Health Care System, said: “Heartflow’s technology represents a major advancement in how we diagnose and manage CAD. It gives us essential information that can help determine the right approach for a patient through a convenient, non-invasive platform. It is very useful as a non-invasive, highly precise tool in our diagnostic toolbox.”
The CCTA combined with Heartflow FFRCT provides several benefits over traditional testing methods:
– It offers more accurate diagnosis with fewer false negatives and positives (JACC).
– The approach reduces unnecessary invasive procedures by four times compared to previous practices and decreases initial diagnostic testing overall (JAMA Cardiology).
– Physicians are 75% more likely to identify patients who need intervention using this method than with traditional testing.
St. Mary’s Hospital holds accreditation as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI from the American College of Cardiology, has been recognized as high-performing for heart attack care by U.S News & World Report for 2025-2026, and is acknowledged as a Gold-Plus hospital for cardiac resuscitation by the American Heart Association.
For more information about Heartflow FFRCT Analysis at St. Mary’s or referral requirements, contact Oconee Heart and Vascular Center at (706) 389-3440.
