A New AI Tool Aims to Improve Detection of Congenital Heart Defects in Prenatal Ultrasounds
Congenital heart defects (CHDs), abnormalities of the heart present at birth, are the most frequent type of birth defect. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around one in four babies with a heart defect requires surgery or other medical intervention within the first year of life. Despite advancements in prenatal care, the ability to identify CHDs during regular ultrasounds remains inconsistent.
AI Software Enhances Prenatal Ultrasound Accuracy
A groundbreaking study to be presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual meeting, The Pregnancy MeetingTM, introduces findings indicating that artificial intelligence (AI) can aid clinicians in detecting CHDs more accurately during routine prenatal ultrasounds.
Study Details
In the study, a panel of physicians with experience ranging from one to over thirty years reviewed 200 ultrasounds. This panel consisted of 14 obstetricians-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) and maternal-fetal medicine specialists. Each ultrasound was analyzed both with and without the use of an AI-based software program. The results were compared to assess how the software influenced the clinicians’ detection capabilities.
The findings are compelling: regardless of a physician’s expertise level or specialized training, the AI system significantly enhanced their ability to spot CHDs on prenatal ultrasounds. Moreover, the researchers discovered that the clinicians’ confidence in detecting these defects increased, and they could make a definitive judgment about whether a case was suspicious more quickly.
Expert Insights on the Impact
“At least half of prenatal ultrasounds in the United States are evaluated by generalists, including OB-GYNs, who may not have received specific training in prenatal ultrasound interpretations. This is why detecting CHDs remains challenging, even in advanced nations like the U.S.,” notes Jennifer Lam-Rachlin, MD, the lead author of the study.
Lam-Rachlin, who is the director of fetal echocardiography at Carnegie Imaging for Women and an assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai West, emphasizes the potential of AI software to elevate detection rates among both generalists and specialists. “Our findings highlight how AI-driven tools can make a substantial difference in neonatal outcomes and might transform clinical practice,” she states.
Why AI Makes a Difference
Christophe Gardella, Ph.D., chief technical officer for BrightHeart, the Paris-based manufacturer of the AI-based software, elaborates on the software’s benefits. BrightHeart developed the AI software in collaboration with experts, focused on aiding detection in pregnancies deemed low risk, where the patient is typically seen by an OB-GYN rather than a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.
“Our AI software is designed to help non-specialists as well as specialists spot abnormalities linked to congenital heart defects more accurately. This can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes for infants,” Gardella explains.
BrightHeart’s FDA Clearance
BrightHeart received FDA 510(k) clearance for its AI software in November 2024, marking a significant milestone. This clearance indicates that the software meets the necessary safety and effectiveness standards, paving the way for widespread use in obstetric practices across the United States.
The Future of Prenatal Care
The integration of AI technology into prenatal care represents a promising step toward more precise detection and improved management of CHDs. As the technology continues to advance and receive broader adoption, it holds the potential to bridge gaps in detection accuracy, especially in areas where specialist availability is limited.
Dr. Lam-Rachlin believes that AI-assisted diagnostics could lead to a more standardized approach in prenatal ultrasound evaluations. “By leveraging AI, we can ensure that all clinicians, regardless of their background, have access to the tools needed to make accurate assessments, ultimately benefiting the health and safety of newborns,” she concludes.
Looking Ahead
As more AI technologies receive approval and find their place in healthcare, their impact on prenatal care is likely to expand. The adoption of such tools promises to address ongoing challenges in the field, enhance neonatal health, and contribute to the reduction of mortality rates associated with CHDs.
Innovation in healthcare, driven by AI, is not only transforming the landscape of diagnostics but also improving patient outcomes. Stay informed about the latest advancements and share your thoughts on how AI can revolutionize prenatal care.
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