© Image copyright— Heartfelt Technologies 

We’re trialling artificial intelligence (AI) scanners to spot when people with heart failure are deteriorating and reduce the chances of them being admitted to hospital. 

The device, made by Heartfelt Technologies, is used at home and takes thousands of detailed images daily as patients get in and out of bed.

Using these images, the scanner can detect the build-up of fluid in the legs which causes swelling called oedema, a sign that their heart failure is getting worse. 

Our use of the scanner is part of a large study, involving 30 NHS trusts and more than 200 participants. 

Dr Francesco Papalia, Consultant Cardiologist at BHRUT and the study’s local lead, said:

Heart failure is a serious long-term condition that often leads to repeat hospital stays. If we can detect problems earlier using technology like this, we have a much better chance of treating patients before their symptoms worsen.

So far, a pilot of the trial has been held elsewhere and involved 26 people.

It has been expanded for the latest phase, which will involve around 20 patients from Queen’s and King George hospitals who have all been admitted to hospital due to heart failure and swollen legs in the past year. 

Some participants will use the scanner for six months while others will receive their usual care so researchers can compare how well the device is working to stop hospital admissions. 

If the scanner detects fluid build-up in a patient’s legs, alerts will be sent to our cardiology team and a heart failure nurse who will contact the patient and assess them to prevent further deterioration. 

If the trial is successful, it could be rolled out nationally to help thousands of patients manage their condition at home.