Patients at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are among the first in the UK to benefit from advanced artificial intelligence (AI)‑assisted software designed to improve the treatment of heart disease.
The technology, known as Ultreon 3.0 Software and developed by Abbott Vascular, is being used to support angioplasty procedures for people with coronary artery disease, helping clinicians make quicker and more accurate decisions in real time.
A coronary angioplasty is a common procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked arteries that supply blood to the heart.
During the procedure, doctors insert a small stent – a wire mesh tube – into the artery to hold it open and restore blood flow. The success of this procedure relies on accurate assessment of the artery and placement of the stent.
The new AI‑enabled software provides high‑resolution images from inside blood vessels during the procedure, allowing cardiologists to see exactly where plaque has built up and assess the condition of the artery in real time.
Ultreon 3.0 combines imaging data with advanced AI algorithms to help clinicians identify areas of plaque that are more likely to rupture and cause blood clots.
It also enables detailed analysis of blood flow, supporting more precise decisions about where and how to place a stent.
By improving visibility and reducing uncertainty, the technology is expected to enhance both the safety and effectiveness of procedures.
The software is currently being used in a small number of leading cardiac centres worldwide, with King’s among the first UK sites to introduce it into routine clinical practice.
The rollout began in April 2026, reflecting the Trust’s ongoing commitment to adopting cutting‑edge technologies that improve patient care.
The new system is expected to benefit up to 500 patients each year at King’s College Hospital.
For patients, the technology may lead to:
- More precise treatment of blocked arteries
- Reduced risk of complications
- Improved long‑term outcomes
For clinicians, it offers enhanced confidence during procedures, helping them deliver more accurate and personalised care.
In addition to using the technology, King’s is also playing a leading role in supporting its wider adoption.
Dr Nilesh Pareek, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at King’s, and his team are leading training for other NHS sites across the UK, helping to build expertise and support safe implementation.
Commenting on the technology, Dr Pareek said:
“Over recent years, we have seen huge strides in the development of AI technology, helping transform cardiac care for patients and improve efficiency, and we’re extremely proud to be leading the way in this field. Up to 500 patients at King’s are expected to benefit from this procedure every year, and this latest step forward enables us to improve our decision making and selection of diseased arteries for stenting procedures.
“By supporting the training of other sites across the U.K. in this new technology, we hope to help make sure as many patients as possible can benefit from this latest AI tool.”
This positions the Trust as a key centre for innovation and knowledge sharing in AI‑enabled cardiology.
The introduction of AI‑assisted tools such as Ultreon 3.0 reflects a broader shift within the NHS towards digitally enabled care and precision medicine.
By integrating advanced imaging with artificial intelligence, clinicians can make more informed decisions at the point of care, improving outcomes while also supporting efficiency.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of illness and death in the UK, making improvements in diagnosis and treatment critical.
The use of AI‑enhanced imaging during angioplasty represents a significant advance in how procedures are performed, offering the potential for better patient outcomes and more efficient care delivery.
With early results encouraging and training underway, King’s College Hospital is helping to lead the next phase of innovation in cardiovascular treatment across the NHS.
Image credit: iStock
