Using AI to enhance cardiac ultrasound interpretation by internists
Reliability of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Augmented Point-of-care Cardiac Ultrasound (POCCUS) in the Hands of Internists
This study tests whether using AI can help internists read cardiac ultrasound images better when caring for hospitalized patients compared to specialized cardiologists.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sheba Medical Center Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Ramat Gan) |
| Trial ID | NCT05455541 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates how effectively internists can interpret cardiac ultrasound images with the assistance of an AI diagnostic support system. The performance of these internists will be compared to that of specialized cardiologists who will interpret the same images to establish a reliable benchmark. The study will involve up to 1000 hospitalized patients, primarily from internal medicine and acute geriatric divisions, who require a point-of-care cardiac ultrasound assessment. The goal is to determine if AI can improve diagnostic accuracy in a clinical setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include hospitalized patients requiring a cardiac ultrasound assessment as determined by their treating physicians.
Not a fit: Patients with unstable clinical conditions or those requiring immediate comprehensive echocardiography will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the diagnostic capabilities of internists, leading to quicker and more accurate assessments of cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of AI in medical imaging is gaining traction, this specific application in point-of-care cardiac ultrasound is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Clinically indicated POCUS cardiac assessment as determined by the treating physicians for an accepted clinical indication 2. Willing and able to provide consent for a short partial transthoracic POCCUS examinations 3. No urgent or other compelling need for a comprehensive echo exam by the echo lab. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unstable clinical condition that does not permit any reasonable delay necessary to obtain consent and perform the POCCUS 2. Severe thoracic deformation or thoracic wall infection or wound that does not permit an adequate echocardiographic examination 3. Very poor or non-diagnostic echocardiographic imaging quality on prior echocardiography examinations. 4. Patients after lung resection 5. Patients unable lie in bed and undergo a standard echo study 6. Participation in an interventional study
Where this trial is running
Ramat Gan
- Sheba Medical Center — Ramat Gan, Israel (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Robert Klempfner, MD
- Email: robert.klempfner@sheba.health.gov.il
- Phone: 97235302362
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.