Us2.v2: AI-Enhanced Echocardiography Analysis Solution

Brief: Us2.v2 for Cardiologists

Us2.v2 is an AI-enhanced echocardiography analysis solution developed by Us2.ai, designed to streamline and standardize adult transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) measurements. Below is a comprehensive overview tailored for cardiologists and echocardiography specialists:

1. Core Purpose

• Automated Analysis: Us2.v2 applies advanced AI algorithms to detect cardiac structures in 2D and Doppler images, then measures and reports over 45 echocardiographic parameters.
• Clinical Consistency: By reducing manual measurements, Us2.v2 significantly lowers inter-reader variability and adheres to international reference guidelines (such as ASE recommendations), facilitating more uniform and reproducible results.

2. Key Features and Measurements

1. Systolic Function
   • Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (EF): Automatically computed from biplane volumes (LVEDV, LVESV).
   • Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS): Measures both global and regional strain to detect subtle contractile dysfunction.
   • TAPSE (Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion): Evaluates RV systolic function.
2. Diastolic Function
   • Mitral Inflow (E, A) and Tissue Doppler (e′, a′) Parameters: Generates E/e′ ratios for estimating LV filling pressures.
   • Deceleration Time (DecT), A-wave Velocity, and Duration: Offers insights into diastolic relaxation and compliance.
3. Structural Measurements
   • Chamber Volumes & Dimensions: LV, RV, LA, RA dimensions and volumes, computed in near real time.
   • Wall Thicknesses (IVSd, LVPWd): Evaluates for hypertrophy or infiltrative disease.
4. Valvular Flow & Hemodynamics
   • Aortic Valve Metrics: Aortic valve area (AVA), velocity (Vmax), peak/mean gradients (Pmax, Pmean) for aortic stenosis assessment.
   • LVOT & Doppler: LVOT diameter, velocity-time integral (VTI), and peak/mean gradients.
   • Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR) Velocity: Helps estimate RV pressure load (e.g., in pulmonary hypertension).
5. Reporting & Editing
   • Comprehensive Report Output: Generates structured DICOM SR, PDF, or secondary capture summaries that integrate seamlessly with PACS.
   • Interactive Review: Cardiologists and sonographers can revise or annotate the automatically generated measurements and visual markups.
   • Explainable AI: Automated annotations and measurements are transparent, allowing clinicians to understand how values are derived.

3. Workflow and Integration

1. Study Ingestion: Us2.v2 accepts DICOM input from echocardiography machines, either directly or via existing PACS/routing.
2. Automated Processing: Within 1 to 10 minutes—depending on data size and system configuration—Us2.v2 analyzes the study and produces measurements.
3. Report Generation: The system outputs an editable echocardiography report, referencing international guidelines for validated parameters.
4. Compatibility:
   • On-Premises or Cloud: Deployable in hospital servers (including container-based environments such as Red Hat OpenShift) or in a secure cloud.
   • Healthcare Standards Support: Integrates HL7 for EMR connectivity, DICOM SR for data exchange, and HIPAA-compliant data handling where required.

4. Clinical and Operational Benefits

1. Time Savings & Efficiency
   • Up to 70% Reduction in Exam Time: Minimizes repetitive manual measurements, letting clinicians focus on patient care.
   • Faster Report Turnaround: Automation accelerates interpretation and final reporting.
2. Improved Accuracy & Consistency
   • Reduced Variability: Standardized methodology lowers both intra- and inter-observer measurement discrepancies.
   • Guideline Alignment: Incorporates ASE and other reference guidelines to maintain best practices.
3. Enhanced Diagnostic Confidence
   • Strain Analysis: Early detection of ischemic changes, cardiomyopathies, or chemo-induced cardiotoxicity.
   • Right-Heart Insights: RV size and function parameters for potential pulmonary hypertension or right-sided heart failure.
   • Diastolic Function Metrics: Quick assessment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), restrictive cardiomyopathy, and more.
4. Scalable Implementation
   • Flexible Deployment Options: On-premises data center, private/public cloud, or container orchestration platforms (e.g., OpenShift).
   • Enterprise Readiness: Robust security features, role-based access, and enterprise integrations.

5. Regulatory and Intended Use Notes

• Regulatory Clearances:
  • FDA-Cleared: Validated for adult transthoracic echocardiography.
  • Global Reach: Approved or registered in multiple territories (e.g., EU, UK, Canada, Singapore, India, etc.).
• Intended Users: Qualified cardiologists, sonographers, and other licensed healthcare professionals familiar with TTE.
• Scope Limits: Us2.v2 is currently not validated for pediatric echo, transesophageal echo, intracardiac echo, or congenital heart disease. Some advanced valvular pathologies, pericardial disease, or intracardiac lesions may require additional dedicated studies.

6. Conclusion

Us2.v2 empowers cardiology teams by automating essential echocardiographic measurements and integrating seamlessly into existing clinical workflows. By reducing variability, saving time, and providing explainable AI outputs, it supports precise and efficient decision-making, ultimately enhancing patient care and throughput. For cardiologists aiming to advance echo analysis while retaining control and reliability, Us2.v2 offers a modern, robust solution.