Cardiologists could soon win official approval in the UK to use virtual 3D models to identify blocked and narrowed arteries, it is announced today.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence launched a consultation on approving the use of software called HeartFlow FFRCT.
The software creates 3D images of blood vessels from standard cardiac CT scans.
NICE says it could save £214 a patient compared with standard diagnostic tests and help avoid invasive investigations and treatment. It would be used for patients with stable recent chest pain and with an intermediate risk of heart disease.
About 36,000 patients a year could benefit.
Professor Carole Longson, from NICE, said: "Accurately diagnosing the cause of chest pain is important for ensuring that the affected person receives appropriate care and treatment.
“The preliminary view of the independent committee is that HeartFlow FFR CT is innovative and using it in practice may simplify the series of tests used to diagnose the condition.
"Based on the evidence that the committee considered, they concluded that the device is highly accurate in diagnosing coronary artery disease, and that it has the potential to reduce the need for invasive coronary investigations – which is good news for the patient."
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