In a major step forward for cardiovascular healthcare, an artificial intelligence (AI) system called the Singapore Heart Lesion Analyzer (Sense) is scheduled to undergo a year-long clinical trial starting in the third quarter of 2025. This pilot programme will take place at three of the nation’s leading medical institutions: National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), National University Hospital (NUH), and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).
Transforming Diagnosis with Speed and Precision
Sense is designed to transform the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD), the leading cause of heart-related deaths in Singapore. Unlike traditional methods, which can take two to four hours for a scan analysis, Sense aims to deliver results in under ten minutes. This dramatic improvement in speed has the potential to reduce waiting times, speed up treatment decisions, and ultimately save lives.
In controlled environments, Sense has achieved accuracy rates between 85 and 99 per cent. The upcoming trial will assess whether the system can maintain such performance in real-world clinical settings.
How Sense Works: Behind the Technology
The Sense AI system analyses CT scans using deep learning algorithms that measure several key indicators of heart disease, including:
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Coronary calcium levels
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Fat deposits around the heart (epicardial adipose tissue)
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Degree of artery narrowing (stenosis)
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Types and sizes of plaque formations
These metrics are processed into a detailed yet easy-to-understand risk report for doctors to review, significantly reducing the time needed for interpretation without compromising diagnostic integrity.
Trial Design and Patient Participation
The clinical trial will involve approximately 300 patients across the three hospitals. Over a 12-month period, the trial will measure how well Sense performs under routine hospital conditions.
While the system speeds up analysis, it is important to note that clinical decision-making remains the responsibility of physicians. The AI acts as a support tool, not a replacement for medical expertise.
Built on a National Imaging Database
Sense was developed by the CardioVascular Systems Imaging and AI (CVS.AI) lab at NHCS, in collaboration with researchers from A*STAR. The system is powered by a national CT coronary angiography database called APOLLO, which comprises more than three million images from around five thousand patients.
The CVS.AI lab now operates from a 164-square-metre facility equipped with advanced computing hardware, enabling rapid image processing and further development of AI healthcare solutions.
Addressing a National Health Crisis
Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of death in Singapore, responsible for more than 8,300 cardiovascular-related fatalities in 2023 alone. Early detection is critical to improving outcomes, and AI tools like Sense could significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of diagnoses.
Globally, over 250 million people suffer from CAD, and the disease accounted for nearly nine million deaths in 2021. Singapore’s investment in AI technology reflects a proactive approach to combatting this global challenge.
National and Global Implications
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Healthcare efficiency: Sense could free up clinical resources and reduce bottlenecks in patient diagnosis.
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Standardised assessments: AI can ensure consistent evaluations across hospitals and reduce human variability.
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Early intervention: Faster analysis allows for quicker treatment, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving survival rates.
