Cardiologist experts in Thailand gathered to advance experience in 3D cardiac imaging 

New insights and hands-on learning for smart application of 3D echocardiography in complex cardiovascular conditions

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to a report by the Thai Ministry of Public Health in 2022, the CVD burden in Thailand is concerning, having claimed up to 70,000 lives, at an average of eight deaths per hour. Early detection of the disease can enable early treatment and intervention to improve disease outcomes. Technology is playing an increasingly important role in supporting the cardiologist community in addressing the need for better cardiovascular care amid staff shortages and rising patient demand.

Improving the quality of cardiovascular care through technology and knowledge sharing

In recent years, we have seen significant advancements in echocardiography, a non-invasive cardiac imaging procedure for assessing the heart structure and functions to detect and diagnose cardiovascular conditions. Today’s 3D echocardiography allows one to look into the heart, with photorealistic rendering that simplifies interpretation for cardiologists to reach a better overall understanding of disease. Color, lights and shade also help to visualize flow trajectory – improving accuracy and the effectiveness of treatment. Philips recently gathered expert cardiologists from across Thailand to share insights and exchange best practices in optimizing the latest advancements in 3D cardiac imaging in patient care.

The event, provided an important platform for the cardiologist community to acquire hands-on experience and further hone their skills in using 3D cardiac imaging for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of complex cardiovascular conditions. Healthcare professionals also came together to exchange best practices on selecting appropriate tools within 3D echocardiography systems and on managing 3D image data and turning them into useful insights for clinical decisions.

Dr Samonporn Bunyarattavech Songmuang, Vice President of the Heart Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage and President of the Thai Society of Echocardiography, said, "The number of heart disease patients is increasing every year. Therefore, regular health check-ups are highly recommended, as doctors can review medical history and perform physical exams and blood tests for initial assessments before considering further cardiovascular evaluations. One crucial heart examination is echocardiography, which uses ultrasound waves transmitted through the patient’s chest to the heart, creating real-time images of heart movement. This method allows for the examination of all key components of the heart. Echocardiography does not involve radiation or contrast agents, making it a safe and essential procedure for diagnosing various types of heart diseases. Accurate diagnosis leads to effective treatment and better outcomes."

"Innovation in ultrasound technology is key to enabling healthcare systems to deliver life-saving early diagnosis to patients. 3D echocardiography brings to clinicians enhanced diagnostic capabilities which improve speed and accuracy of ultrasound procedures, ultimately leading to better patient and staff experiences," explains Denilson Kuratomi, Head of Ultrasound, Philips APAC. “This is how technology alleviates the cardiovascular disease burden on both healthcare professionals and patients. By also supporting healthcare providers in adopting and optimizing the use of cutting-edge technologies in patient care, we aim to close the cardiovascular disease gaps in APAC and deliver better care for more people.”