AI initiative to interpret cardiac imaging scans in minutes, aiding early detection and prediction of coronary artery

The National Heart Center Singapore (NHCS) announces a major advancement in cardiac care research with the implementation of SENSE (Singapore hEart lesioN analySEr), a nationwide AI initiative that reduces the time taken to analyze cardiac scans, from hours to minutes. This breakthrough system will transform the detection and prediction of coronary artery disease (CAD) through advanced machine learning technology.

The NHCS CardioVascular Systems Imaging and Artificial Intelligence (CVS.AI) Research Laboratory is spearheading SENSE, a project co-led with A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research (A*STAR I2R), which implements sophisticated computational capabilities and algorithms that can automatically interpret cardiac imaging scans and evaluate CAD risk within minutes—a process that traditionally requires two to four hours of specialist analysis.

SENSE will be deployed at three major health care institutions—NHCS, National University Hospital, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital—in the third quarter of 2025. This implementation represents a crucial step forward in addressing CAD, which currently accounts for nearly one-third of cardiovascular-related deaths in Singapore.

Dedicated facility to advance AI technology in cardiac imaging

From an initial small setup in 2021, the NHCS CVS.AI Research Laboratory has now relocated to a new purpose-built facility spanning 164 square meters, ready to operate SENSE. The facility houses state-of-the-art AI-powered machine learning software and an expanded fleet of high-performance Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). This enhanced infrastructure enables real-time processing of large datasets, significantly improving the accuracy of disease prediction models.

“This new facility marks a significant milestone in our AI capabilities,” said Assoc Prof Zhong Liang, Co-Director and Core Technical Lead of CVS.AI, and Principal Investigator and Senior Clinician-Innovator, National Heart Research Institute Singapore, NHCS.

“With the enhanced infrastructure, we are well poised to enhance and strengthen our AI algorithms using the big data we collect and analyze.”

The CVS.AI Research Laboratory will apply sophisticated AI algorithms to process patient data, generating instant and precise insights that can guide clinicians in both prediction and prevention of cardiovascular disease. This advancement can potentially help in the translation and development of effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for patients.

Key milestone: From project Apollo to SENSE

In 2021, the Laboratory embarked on the nationwide project, APOLLO: AI-driven national Platform for CT cOronary angiography for clinicaL and industriaL applicatiOns, aimed to revolutionize the interpretation of Computerized Tomography (CT) scans through AI—in terms of improving accuracy, speed and details of scans.

The AI models and user interface powering APOLLO’s integration and visualization capabilities were developed by the A*STAR Bioinformatics Institute (A*STAR BII) and A*STAR I2R.

A*STAR BII led the development of AI analytics for non-contrast CT scans, detecting calcium build-up and fat tissues without contrast dye, making it safer for patients with kidney issues or allergies to contrast agents and allowing faster, less evasive screening.

Meanwhile, A*STAR I2R focused on AI and imaging analytics for CT Coronary Angiograms, which use contrast dye to reveal detailed blood vessel structure and function, helping clinicians better assess blockages. Together, these innovations equip doctors with more precise tools for early diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.

Over the past four years, APOLLO has built a database of cardiac information, collecting CT scans from approximately 5,000 patients across Singapore’s three largest cardiac institutions.

The goal was to assess the feasibility and usability of AI in the diagnosis and treatment of CAD. This extensive repository now contains nearly three million images alongside comprehensive clinical data, creating a robust foundation specifically calibrated for Singapore’s population.

Now, NHCS is advancing to the next phase with SENSE. Building on APOLLO’s groundwork, SENSE introduces sophisticated AI algorithms and patented post-processing technologies.

SENSE analyzes four key determinants of CAD: 1) coronary calcium scores, 2) epicardial adipose tissue, 3) stenosis, and 4) plaque from CT scan, and transforms the clinical workflow by automating the analysis process.

CT images of patients are transmitted directly to dedicated AI workstations where they are automatically processed by APOLLO-developed AI modules, with results delivered to clinicians within 10 minutes—a significant improvement from the typical two to four hours required for specialist interpretation. This represents a 30-fold increase in efficiency, potentially leading to earlier disease detection and more timely interventions.

“SENSE represents a major leap forward in both efficiency and diagnostic accuracy,” said Assistant Professor Lohendran Baskaran, Director and Core Clinical Lead of CVS.AI, and Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, NHCS. ” More importantly, SENSE provides high precision in predicting CAD, allowing clinicians to implement timely and appropriate intervention and treatment strategies.”

CAD is a significant contributor to mortality in Singapore, accounting for almost a third of cardiovascular-related deaths3, SENSE is expected to play a crucial role in early detection and prediction of the disease and equips health care providers with powerful tools for proactive patient management.

“NHCS has made remarkable strides in AI innovation, transforming complex cardiovascular data into practical diagnostic and treatment strategies. Our collaboration with national agencies and local health care institutions creates a synergistic approach to patient care. SENSE represents not just technological progress, but a significant step toward enhancing health care delivery for our Singapore population,” said Professor Yeo Khung Keong, Chief Executive Officer, NHCS.

“A key focus of our work is advancing AI technologies that create real-world impact. Through the SENSE project, we developed AI models and intuitive tools that enable faster, more precise interpretation of cardiac scans. This supports clinicians in making timely, informed decisions and underscores how AI can improve health care outcomes and delivery for Singapore’s population,” said Dr. Sun Sumei, Executive Director, A*STAR I2R.