Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute Performs First Case in U.S. Using GE HealthCare’s 3DStent Software

Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute is proud to have participated in the first procedure in the U.S. using GE HealthCare’s new technology 3DStent software. The 3DStent software gives interventional cardiologists better insight into heart arteries, allowing for a more thorough assessment. It has been used in other countries but not in the U.S., until now.

The 3DStent software allows clinicians to view arteries and quickly gather information about them during a procedure. It does this without the need for contrast media or additional devices, saving time and costs.

The 3DStent software works to remove major stent imaging barriers. It complements existing technologies and provides 3D images, treating patients better and faster. While there are other ways to accomplish this, they have not been widely adopted.

In interventional cardiology, stents are used to treat coronary arteries that have become clogged or blocked due to cardiovascular diseases. Stents are also used to keep arteries open so oxygen-rich blood can be delivered to various areas of the heart where it is so desperately needed.

The procedure using 3DStent software was performed by interventional cardiologist Shailendra Singh, MD, with Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute, and members of the catheterization laboratory.

During the procedure, Dr. Singh used 3DStent to help him view an existing stent. It was an excellent first case with LVHN’s valued collaborators at GE HealthCare. Everyone is looking forward to the continued use of this groundbreaking technology.

GE HealthCare describes itself as “a leading global medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and digital solutions innovator, dedicated to providing integrated solutions, services, and data analytics to make hospitals more efficient, clinicians more effective, therapies more precise, and patients healthier and happier. Serving patients and providers for more than 125 years, GE HealthCare is advancing personalized, connected, and compassionate care, while simplifying the patient’s journey across the care pathway.”

The 3DStent software program is used with other GE HealthCare products, including the Allia™ Image Guided Systems (IGS). The Allia IGS provides exceptional image quality and improves workflow for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Cases where the Allia system can be used include cardiac ablations, cardiac catheterizations, transcatheter aortic valve replacements, balloon and coronary angioplasties, and more.

Importantly for patients with cardiovascular diseases, having the ability to expand the stent properly is directly related to improved long-term outcomes in interventional cardiology, whereas under expanding the stent is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes.  

Additionally, the 3DStent software can:

• Provide both 3D and multi-slice images for clinicians to see the stent from all angles
• Take area and diameter measurements
• Provide one single acquisition without inserting any additional devices or using contrast dyes

During the procedure, a 3DStent “spin” was performed to evaluate the existing stent that was placed approximately three years ago. The data gathered with 3DStent allowed the team to see the existing amount of under expansion and restenosis. This took less than 30 seconds.

The results clearly showed a significant amount of build-up leading to under expansion of the previous stent. Armed with this new information, Dr. Singh was able to decide on the best course of treatment.

As more people around the world require diagnosis and treatment from interventional cardiologists, the field is quickly developing new technologies to meet those needs. GE HealthCare is at the forefront of these innovations, and Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute is proud to collaborate with them to continue to expand our knowledge and capabilities. Dr. Singh has started to research how best to utilize the 3DStent technology and eventually will develop an algorithm for use to improve outcomes and patient safety.