PARAMUS, N.J. — The Valley Hospital has become the first hospital in the nation to use a new artificial intelligence-powered technology outside of a clinical study to help cardiologists better plan heart stenting procedures before patients enter the operating room.

The hospital announced it is using Heartflow PCI Navigator, advanced software that creates a personalized 3D model of a patient's heart before coronary angioplasty, a procedure used to open narrowed or blocked arteries in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Using AI, the technology provides physicians with detailed information about a patient's blood vessels, plaque buildup, blood flow and vessel sizing before the procedure begins, helping doctors make more informed decisions about treatment and stent placement.

"In the past, interventional cardiologists often gained their most detailed view of a patient's coronary arteries during the procedure itself," said Dr. Rajiv Tayal, Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and Structural Heart Program at The Valley Hospital. "Having a more complete picture of a patient's coronary arteries before the procedure allows us to plan treatment in advance, make decisions, and deliver more personalized care."

Hospital officials said the technology is designed to improve precision and tailor treatment to each patient's anatomy before surgery begins.

"Cardiovascular imaging plays a critical role in helping us understand the extent and complexity of coronary artery disease," said Dr. Himanshu Gupta, Director of Cardiac Imaging for The Valley Hospital. "Access to earlier patient-specific insights reflects our commitment to leveraging innovative technologies that help us provide high-quality care for our patients."

Coronary artery disease develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart, restricting blood flow. The condition can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath and, in severe cases, heart attacks.

Valley said becoming the first hospital in the country to deploy the technology outside a clinical trial underscores its continued investment in advanced cardiac care and emerging medical technologies.

For more information about The Valley Hospital's heart care services, visit ValleyHealth.com/Heart.