Scientists at the University of Tokyo have developed an AI-powered tool that can non-invasively monitor platelet activity in real time, enabling the early detection of dangerous blood clots. This breakthrough, detailed in a press release, uses a powerful microscope and artificial intelligence to analyze blood flow and interactions of platelets, offering insights into the role of platelets in heart disease, particularly coronary artery disease.
According to Dr. Kazutoshi Hirose, lead author of the study, platelets play a ‘crucial role’ in heart disease, especially in coronary artery disease. He explained that an increased platelet count can heighten the risk of dangerous clots, which are a major factor in heart attacks. Currently, patients with coronary artery disease are often treated with anti-platelet drugs to prevent such clots. However, accurately assessing the effectiveness of these drugs has been a significant challenge for both doctors and researchers.
The new technology, which the researchers describe as a high-speed camera capturing thousands of images of blood cells in motion every second, relies on artificial intelligence to analyze the data. Yuqi Zhou, an assistant professor at the University of Tokyo, likened the process to traffic cameras capturing every car on the road, emphasizing that the microscope captures thousands of images of blood cells in motion every second, which are then analyzed by AI to detect patterns of clot formation.
Professor Keisuke Goda, from the chemistry department at the University of Tokyo, explained that the tool’s ability to directly observe platelets in the bloodstream and measure their interactions in real time sets it apart from traditional methods. The researchers tested the technique on over 200 patients and found that those with more severe heart problems had higher levels of blood clumping. A blood sample taken from a patient’s arm, when tested with the tool, yielded nearly the same results as blood drawn directly from the heart’s arteries.
Harvey Castro, a Texas-based emergency physician and AI expert not involved in the study, highlighted the potential impact of this technology on patient care, noting that it could transform the way doctors assess clot risk. He emphasized that the tool could turn a regular venous draw into real-time telemetry of platelet behavior, providing answers in seconds rather than hours. Goda added that the tool could enable more personalized treatments for heart disease patients, allowing doctors to see if the antiplatelet drugs are actually working in each patient.
Despite the promising results, Castro cautioned that the technology is not yet ready for widespread use. While the microscope used in the study is cutting-edge research gear, it is not yet a bedside device. He pointed out that miniaturization and cost reduction are necessary before every emergency room can use it. Looking ahead, Castro envisions a future where this innovation could revolutionize point-of-care decision-making, allowing doctors to adjust antiplatelet drugs and oxygen titration quickly and safely for patients in the ER.