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Terumo and Kikuna Memorial Hospital to Launch AI-tech Research to Improve PCI Procedure

Oct 31, 2019

TOKYO, JAPAN – October 31, 2019 – Terumo Corporation (TSE: 4543) today announced that it has launched a joint research with Kikuna Memorial Hospital (Kanagawa, Japan) to develop artificial intelligence (AI) for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). The company and hospital aim to develop an AI solution by around 2023, that will assist physicians to improve PCI accuracy and efficiency.

PCI is now a widely accepted less invasive procedure for treating ischemic heart diseases like angina and myocardial infarction, using various devices such as catheters and stents to open the clogged arteries. Physicians utilize angiographic and intravascular images to determine the most appropriate PCI strategy and procedure. However, a high level of skill is required to handle various medical devices, and to accurately make decisions for the best patient outcome.

In this collaborative investigation, both clinical images and patient data will be analyzed using AI. Terumo and the hospital will collaborate to develop technology that will assist physicians to improve PCI procedures. Specifically, the technology will assist physician’s decision making by automatic measurement of the coronary artery diameter, plaque area, and optimal stent size.

Kikuna Memorial Hospital has years of experience and expertise in coronary intervention. The hospital will contribute their deep knowledge, and advice according to clinical practice.

Terumo offers a complete solution-based PCI product portfolio globally; from entry site management to lesion access of PCI. This new digital technology will add a new dimension to the portfolio, providing new value to interventional cardiologists. This study will be part of Terumo achieving their goal to cater an extensive solution to coronary intervention, and contribute to healthcare around the world.


Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is used to guide stent implantation.
The figure shows typical IVUS image obtained using AltaView™ (Terumo Corporation).

About Terumo Corporation
Tokyo-based Terumo Corporation is one of the world's leading medical device manufacturers, with approximately US$6 billion in sales and operations in more than 160 nations. Founded in 1921, the company develops, manufactures and distributes world-class medical devices, including products for use in cardiothoracic surgery, interventional procedures and transfusion medicine; the company also manufactures a broad array of syringe and hypodermic needle products for hospital and physician-office use. Terumo contributes to society by providing valued products and services to the healthcare market, and by responding to the needs of healthcare providers and the people they serve. Terumo Corporation's shares are listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (No. 4543, Reuters symbol <4543.T>, or Bloomberg 4543: JP) and is a component of the Nikkei 225, Japan's leading stock index.

About Kikuna Memorial Hospital
Kikuna Memorial Hospital is an acute care hospital located in Kanagawa, Japan. The hospital is accessible 24/7, taking in every emergency patient - summing up to over 7,000 ambulance-correspondence per year. The Cardiovascular Disease center, overviewed by director, Dr. Junko Honye, treats patients with a unique collaboration of interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.

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