In 2018, the Innovation and Technology Payment Programme was awarded to a number of technologies, including HeartFlow and the funding will continue until 2020. HeartFlow is an innovative computer program that can discover how bad blockages in the heart are using scans of the heart rather than invasive surgical procedures.

It creates a 3D model of the coronary arteries and analyses the impact that any blockages are having. A doctor can then rapidly diagnose patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and determine if they need to have surgery. The use of the device can avoid the need for more traditional, and costly procedures such as coronary angiography. Although a common procedure, the risks of coronary angiography include; bleeding, stroke, major blood vessel damage and other serious complications.

Studies have demonstrated that HeartFlow technology positively impacts patients and health care professions by reducing the need for such procedures in some patients. It has also been associated with improved patient outcomes as clinicians use the information to provide the right treatment to the right patient. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) estimate up to 35,000 people per year could benefit from HeartFlow technology.

HeartFlow is a great example of how the HIN is working with members, partners and business to drive down costs in healthcare, whilst benefitting patients. Based on the NICE cost-saving guidance, the estimated savings for England is £17 million.