HeartFlow is an innovative health technology company that provides advanced, AI-driven diagnostic solutions for coronary artery disease (CAD). Its flagship product, the HeartFlow FFRct Analysis, uses data from a coronary CT angiogram (CTA) to create a personalized, 3D model of a patient’s heart arteries and simulate blood flow. This non-invasive test helps physicians determine the presence and severity of CAD more accurately and safely than traditional invasive methods.
Founded to transform cardiovascular care, HeartFlow combines medical imaging, computational fluid dynamics, and deep learning to offer precision diagnostics. It supports cardiologists and healthcare systems in reducing unnecessary procedures, optimizing patient outcomes, and improving efficiency in cardiac care.
HeartFlow is FDA-cleared, CE-marked, and has been validated through numerous clinical studies. It is currently used in hospitals and cardiac centers across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Features
HeartFlow’s core offering is the FFRct Analysis, which stands for fractional flow reserve computed tomography. This service takes a standard coronary CTA scan and applies AI and computational models to evaluate whether a coronary artery blockage is restricting blood flow to the heart muscle.
One of the key features of the HeartFlow solution is its 3D color-coded model, which shows blood flow dynamics and highlights areas of reduced perfusion. This visual aid helps clinicians identify not just the presence of plaque but its physiological impact.
HeartFlow integrates with existing imaging workflows and does not require any additional hardware or changes in how coronary CTA scans are performed. The analysis is conducted remotely, and results are delivered within hours through a secure digital portal.
Additional features include reporting tools for clinicians, integration with electronic health records, and compatibility with most hospital PACS systems.
The company has also expanded its offerings with RoadMap™ and Plaque Analysis, providing enhanced visualization and insight into plaque burden and anatomy to support pre-procedure planning and long-term patient management.
How It Works
The HeartFlow process begins when a patient undergoes a standard coronary CTA scan. The CTA images are securely uploaded to HeartFlow’s cloud-based platform, where they are analyzed using advanced algorithms and computational fluid dynamics.
HeartFlow uses deep learning to segment the coronary arteries, reconstruct a personalized 3D model, and simulate blood flow through the vessels under various physiological conditions. The resulting FFRct score indicates whether the blockage is likely to reduce blood flow enough to cause ischemia.
This score, along with a detailed 3D visualization, is reviewed by physicians to decide whether the patient would benefit from medical therapy, further testing, or revascularization procedures like stenting or bypass surgery.
All results are reviewed by trained clinical specialists at HeartFlow for quality assurance before being sent back to the referring physician, typically within one business day.
Use Cases
HeartFlow is primarily used in cardiology clinics and hospital systems for the non-invasive assessment of patients with suspected stable coronary artery disease.
Cardiologists use HeartFlow to determine the functional significance of coronary stenoses seen on CTA without sending patients to the catheterization lab unnecessarily.
Emergency departments integrate HeartFlow into their chest pain pathways, allowing for quicker and safer triage of low- to intermediate-risk patients, reducing hospital admissions.
HeartFlow supports shared decision-making, enabling physicians to educate patients with easy-to-understand visualizations and personalized reports.
In value-based care models, HeartFlow helps improve patient outcomes while reducing costs by avoiding invasive and low-yield diagnostic procedures.
Hospitals also use HeartFlow data to plan interventions, choosing the optimal strategy based on both anatomical and physiological insights.
Pricing
HeartFlow’s pricing is not publicly listed on the official website. Costs vary based on factors such as geography, volume, and health system contracts.
The service is reimbursed by Medicare and many commercial insurers in the United States. It is assigned a Category I CPT® code (0501T) and is included in coverage policies by most major payers.
Healthcare providers interested in implementing HeartFlow are encouraged to contact the company directly for custom pricing and reimbursement support. The platform also offers billing and coding resources to assist clinical teams.
In select health systems, HeartFlow may be included in bundled payment models or value-based care contracts to align cost with improved clinical outcomes.
Strengths
HeartFlow stands out as a clinically validated, non-invasive solution for assessing coronary artery disease. Its ability to combine anatomical imaging with functional analysis reduces unnecessary invasive procedures and enhances clinical decision-making.
The platform offers fast turnaround, with results typically delivered within hours, supporting rapid care pathways and improved patient throughput.
Its FDA clearance and CE marking demonstrate adherence to rigorous regulatory standards. The solution is also supported by extensive peer-reviewed research and real-world usage data.
HeartFlow’s visual 3D models improve patient understanding and engagement, making the diagnostic process more transparent and collaborative.
Integration with existing systems ensures ease of adoption and minimizes disruption to radiology or cardiology workflows.
Drawbacks
HeartFlow requires patients to undergo a coronary CTA scan, which may not be available at all healthcare facilities or suitable for patients with contraindications such as high calcium scores or arrhythmias.
The service depends on image quality; poor-quality CT scans may result in non-diagnostic outcomes, limiting the tool’s utility in some cases.
Although many payers reimburse HeartFlow, coverage may vary by region, and out-of-pocket costs can be a barrier for some patients without insurance or financial support.
The platform is currently focused primarily on coronary artery disease, with limited application outside the cardiac space, although future expansion may broaden its utility.
For providers without integrated CTA imaging or digital infrastructure, implementation may require workflow changes or collaboration with imaging partners.
Comparison with Other Tools
HeartFlow is often compared with traditional stress testing, invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessments, and newer imaging-based diagnostic tools.
Compared to stress echocardiography or nuclear imaging, HeartFlow offers higher specificity and avoids patient exposure to exercise or radioactive tracers.
In contrast to invasive FFR, which requires a catheter and pressure wire during coronary angiography, HeartFlow delivers similar insights non-invasively, reducing procedural risks and recovery time.
Other emerging technologies, such as CT-based perfusion imaging or plaque characterization tools, may provide complementary data, but HeartFlow remains unique in its combination of anatomical and functional analysis delivered remotely through AI.
Few platforms match HeartFlow’s level of regulatory approval, clinical validation, and integration with standard coronary CTA workflows.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Clinicians using HeartFlow report improved confidence in treatment decisions, especially in complex or borderline cases. Cardiologists appreciate the ability to avoid unnecessary angiograms and focus interventions on patients who will truly benefit.
Patients benefit from clear explanations of their condition, with HeartFlow’s color-coded models helping them visualize the severity and location of blockages.
Hospitals and health systems have published studies showing reduced length of stay, lower costs, and improved outcomes when HeartFlow is integrated into their chest pain evaluation protocols.
HeartFlow has been recognized by organizations such as the American College of Cardiology and NICE in the UK, reflecting its global impact on cardiovascular care.
Conclusion
HeartFlow is a groundbreaking AI-powered platform that transforms how coronary artery disease is diagnosed and managed. By turning standard CTA scans into dynamic, functional models of coronary blood flow, it enables faster, safer, and more precise heart care.
The platform supports physicians in making evidence-based decisions, reduces unnecessary procedures, and enhances the patient experience through non-invasive technology. With strong clinical validation and growing adoption worldwide, HeartFlow represents a new standard in cardiovascular diagnostics.
