Innovative Software Detects Heart Plaque: A Breakthrough by Quezon City Students

In a remarkable display of ingenuity, Grade 11 students from Quezon City have developed a cutting-edge software that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to accurately detect plaque buildup in the heart. This innovation, known as ‘Pintig,’ is designed to analyze CT scan images and may revolutionize how early heart disease is detected and treated.

What is Pintig?

Pintig stands for ‘Preemptive Identification Of Neointimal Tissue In Imaging For Gleaning Atherosclerotic Plaques.’ The software aims to help medical professionals identify atherosclerotic plaques—harmful buildups of fatty deposits in arteries—before they reach advanced stages. The developers, students from Quezon City Science High School, highlighted a significant issue with current methods, which often only detect plaque when it becomes more serious and harder to treat.

“This problem means that patients must undergo invasive surgeries that can potentially lead to further complications and considerable costs,” said Kenzo Miguel Tayko, one of the principal developers of the software. As heart disease continues to be a prevalent health concern, early detection is crucial.

How Pintig Works

Pintig employs AI algorithms to meticulously analyze CT scan images of the heart. The software can examine pixel-level details as small as 50 micrometers, which human eyes cannot detect. This precision allows it to highlight and classify plaques effectively.

“The program has been developed using 14,000 datasets of CT scan images from approximately 200 patients,” Tayko explained. The integration of machine learning ensures that Pintig achieves an impressive accuracy rate of up to 98%, enhancing its reliability as a diagnostic tool.

After a CT scan is conducted, a registered patient can upload their heart images into the Pintig system. Within moments, the software analyzes the data and returns results indicating whether there is significant plaque present. This rapid feedback loop allows healthcare providers to make quicker and more informed decisions about patient care.

The Challenges and Advantages of Early Detection

Detecting heart disease at early stages allows for timely interventions, which can include lifestyle adjustments, medication, or minimal non-invasive procedures rather than more drastic surgical measures. Heart disease, influenced often by diets high in fats, poses serious health risks, and the earlier individuals receive attention, the better their prognosis.

Pintig offers a solution that reduces reliance on costly surgical options while ensuring patients receive thorough examinations with less discomfort. ‘We are excited about the potential of our software to assist medical professionals and improve patient care,’ Tayko said, reflecting the students’ commitment to innovative healthcare solutions.

Recognition and Future Prospects

The students’ innovation caught the attention of many in the medical and technology fields. They recently won first place in the Robotics Intelligent Machines category at a regional science and technology fair, showcasing their remarkable talent and forward-thinking mindset.

Moreover, in a bid to further validate their invention, the developers plan to conduct clinical trials in collaboration with the Philippine Heart Center. This step is vital for assessing the software’s effectiveness in real-world medical settings and ensuring it meets industry standards for use in hospitals and clinics.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Healthier Lives

The development of Pintig by these talented students marks a significant advancement in the early detection of heart diseases. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, they have crafted a tool that could help save lives and reduce the financial burden on the healthcare system.

As Pintig undergoes clinical trials and gains recognition, it’s essential to monitor its impact on patient outcomes and how it might shape future medical practices. If successful, this software could not only transform individual patient diagnoses but also encourage the continued integration of technology in medicine, ultimately fostering healthier lives across the globe.

Key Takeaways

• Innovation: Quezon City students developed Pintig, a software that detects heart plaque using AI.
• Functionality: The program analyzes CT scans at a pixel level and provides results in seconds.
• Impact: Early detection can reduce the need for invasive surgeries, potentially saving costs and improving patient outcomes.
• Future Plans: The software will undergo clinical trials with the Philippine Heart Center to verify its effectiveness.

As technology continues to evolve, initiatives like Pintig demonstrate the potential of young innovators to contribute to meaningful advancements in healthcare.