Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of death, responsible for 18 million lives annually (32% of all deaths). CVD imposes a significant economic burden, costing €54 billion in healthcare and €45 billion in productivity losses in the EU in 2017. Factors like population growth, ageing, and risk factors such as obesity exacerbate this challenge. Addressing CVD has become a global public health priority, but existing diagnostic methods exhibit accuracy and scalability limitations, resulting in around 7 million misdiagnosed deaths yearly.
AI4MedImaging is pioneering AI4CMR.Plus a project revolutionizing CVD diagnosis. It centres on advanced clinical software automating heart function and structure assessment via Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging. CMR is the gold standard but faces operational barriers, e.g. long queues and costs, stemming from complex analysis of over 300 contracting heart images. The scarcity of CMR experts (0.06-3 per 1 million Europeans) leads to errors (85% inter-/intra-observer variability) and unmet diagnosis demand (~22 citizens per 1 million Europeans).
AI4CMR.Plus seeks to democratize CMR diagnosis through automated image analysis, unlocking CMR's full potential. AI4MedImaging's MVP software, AI4CMR, was introduced in the EU market. With EIC support, AI4CMR.Plus development accelerates, targeting a 2025 market launch. This growth enhances company stature, fortifies EU digital sovereignty, and transforms the lives of CVD-threatened individuals.
The project's vision is to democratize CMR through automated AI, making advanced cardiac exams accessible and scalable. This innovation's impact extends beyond healthcare, affecting the economy, society, and humanity. Addressing limitations of existing CVD diagnostics, AI4CMR.Plus shapes cardiovascular disease management, contributing to a healthier society on a global scale.
