AI-Powered Cardiac Scan Analysis Trial Launches in Singapore Hospitals

A groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to revolutionize the diagnosis of coronary artery disease is set to be trialed across three major public hospitals in Singapore. The Singapore heart lesion analyser, known as Sense, promises to slash the time required for cardiac scan analysis from hours to mere minutes, potentially transforming patient care in a country where cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death.

A Leap Forward in Cardiac Diagnosis

Starting in the third quarter of 2025, the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), National University Hospital, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital will participate in a year-long trial involving 300 patients. Sense, developed by the CardioVascular Systems Imaging and Artificial Intelligence (CVS.AI) research laboratory at NHCS in collaboration with A*Star’s Institute for Infocomm Research, aims to analyze cardiac imaging scans with unprecedented speed and precision. The system employs advanced algorithms to evaluate the risk of coronary artery disease by assessing calcium deposits in coronary arteries and the surrounding epicardial adipose tissue—a process that traditionally takes radiographers and cardiologists between two and four hours.

“Sometimes it can take longer because doctors are busy doing other things in between all these scans, such as seeing patients in-clinic” said Assistant Professor Lohendran Baskaran, senior consultant with the NHCS cardiology department. With Sense, this analysis is automated and completed in under 10 minutes, a development that could significantly reduce waiting times for patients and allow medical professionals to focus on other critical tasks.

Accuracy and Real-World Testing

Early results from controlled environments have shown Sense achieving accuracy rates between 85 and 99 percent, according to Prof Lohendran. However, he emphasized that the upcoming trial will provide a clearer picture of the system’s performance in real-world hospital settings. “Ultimately, all of this has to be reviewed, checked and confirmed by the doctor before taking it any further. This will never override a doctor’s position or clinical judgment” he added, underscoring the complementary role of AI in clinical decision-making.

The trial’s outcomes could have far-reaching implications for how coronary artery disease—one of the most significant contributors to cardiovascular deaths in Singapore—is diagnosed and managed. In 2023, cardiovascular disease accounted for nearly 30 percent of all deaths in the city-state, with 8,311 fatalities recorded. Understanding the severity and prevalence of the disease across different demographics remains a challenge, and Sense could play a pivotal role in addressing these gaps.

Building on a Legacy of Innovation

Sense is not the first AI-driven initiative from CVS.AI, which has been at the forefront of cardiovascular research since its inception in 2021. Occupying a 164-square-meter facility at the NHCS building on Hospital Boulevard, the laboratory leverages high-performance graphics processing units and machine learning software to process large datasets in real time. This infrastructure enhances the accuracy of disease prediction models, drawing on vast amounts of clinical data to refine AI algorithms.

The current project builds on an earlier endeavor called Apollo, an AI-driven national platform for CT coronary angiography. Over four years, Apollo amassed a database of nearly three million images from the CT scans of approximately 5,000 cardiac patients in Singapore, paired with detailed clinical data. This foundation has been instrumental in the development of Sense, which aims to further improve both the speed and accuracy of scan interpretation. Supported by SingHealth and A*Star’s Healthcare Translation Partnership, Sense represents a collaborative effort to push the boundaries of medical technology.

Addressing a Public Health Crisis

Coronary artery disease remains a pressing public health issue in Singapore, contributing to almost a third of cardiovascular-related deaths. Despite advances in medical technology, factors such as the disease’s severity and its distribution among the population are still not fully understood. “The lab’s work will help improve understanding of coronary artery disease in Singapore” said Prof Lohendran, who also serves as the director and core clinical lead of CVS.AI. By automating and accelerating diagnostic processes, Sense could enable earlier interventions, potentially saving lives and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

Beyond immediate patient outcomes, the data collected during the trial will contribute to broader research efforts. Associate Professor Zhong Liang, co-director and core technical lead at CVS.AI, highlighted the importance of big data in refining AI algorithms. The insights gained from the trial could inform future innovations, not only in Singapore but also in other regions grappling with high rates of cardiovascular disease.

Ethical and Practical Considerations

While the potential of Sense is undeniable, its integration into clinical practice raises important questions about ethics and implementation. AI systems, no matter how advanced, must operate within a framework that prioritizes patient safety and trust. Prof Lohendran’s assurance that Sense will not override a doctor’s judgment reflects a cautious approach to adopting such technologies. The trial will also serve as a testing ground for identifying any limitations or biases in the system’s algorithms, ensuring that it meets the rigorous standards required for widespread use.

Moreover, the deployment of AI in healthcare must consider accessibility and equity. While the trial is limited to three major hospitals, future expansion could face challenges in terms of cost and infrastructure, particularly if the technology is to be rolled out to smaller or less-resourced facilities. Policymakers and healthcare leaders will need to address these issues to ensure that the benefits of Sense are felt across all segments of society.

The Broader Impact on Healthcare

The introduction of Sense aligns with a global trend toward integrating AI into healthcare, from diagnostics to personalized treatment plans. In Singapore, where the government has invested heavily in digital transformation, such innovations are seen as critical to maintaining the city-state’s position as a regional leader in medical excellence. The collaboration between NHCS, SingHealth, and A*Star exemplifies a public-private partnership model that could serve as a blueprint for other countries in Southeast Asia.

However, the success of Sense will depend on more than just technical accuracy. Public perception and acceptance of AI in healthcare will play a significant role in its adoption. Educating patients and healthcare providers about the benefits and limitations of such systems will be essential to building trust. If successful, Sense could pave the way for similar AI applications in other areas of medicine, from oncology to neurology, further transforming the landscape of healthcare delivery.

Looking Ahead

As the trial of Sense unfolds in 2025, all eyes will be on its ability to deliver on its promises in a real-world setting. The potential to reduce diagnostic times while maintaining high accuracy could mark a turning point in the fight against coronary artery disease in Singapore. Yet, questions linger about how this technology will evolve and whether it can be scaled sustainably. For now, the 300 patients participating in the trial represent a small but significant step toward a future where AI and human expertise work hand in hand to save lives.