The Challenge

In demanding critical care environments, patients supported by microaxial flow pumps require timely and reliable insight into pump function and positioning. However, securing rapid, consistent access to bedside echocardiography can be difficult. Delays in imaging can slow down critical patient management decisions and hinder effective coordination across interventional cardiology, heart failure, and critical care teams.

The Solution

PVAD IQ is an FDA-cleared, AI-enabled imaging tool designed to strengthen and standardize bedside pump position assessment. Integrated with the UltraSight Echosystem, it provides real-time, AI-guided focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) that empowers a wider range of healthcare providers to acquire diagnostic-quality images.

To directly address the challenges of manual measurement, PVAD IQ features a machine-learning algorithm that automatically detects the aortic valve plane and pump inlet, calculating the linear distance between them using transthoracic echocardiography. Clinical validation demonstrates that this automated assessment delivers:

  • Expert-Level Accuracy: The algorithm calculates pump depth with an accuracy comparable to expert cardiologists, successfully meeting a pre-specified clinical performance goal with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of just 0.42 cm.
  • Reduced Variability: PVAD IQ operates with lower variability than the inter-observer variability typically seen between cardiologists, performing comparably to an expert reader’s intra-observer consistency.

By standardizing a technically demanding measurement, this scalable approach ensures consistent, rapid imaging under qualified physician oversight, bringing clarity to complex cases and empowering teams to make faster, more confident decisions.

Baldetti L. UltraSight™ PVAD IQ™ Machine Learning Algorithm Accurately Identifies Impella Micro-axial Flow Pump Depth Across the Aortic Valve on Ultrasound Imaging. Abstract presented at: Technology and Heart Failure Therapeutics (THT) 2026; March 3, 2026; Boston, MA.

Resources for Intensive Care Professionals

 White Paper: Enabling Echo Stewardship

Results indicate UltraSight enables novice ultrasound users to capture high quality cardiac images

 Analysis: UltraSight’s Landmark Pivotal Study Results

Results indicate UltraSight enables novice ultrasound users to capture high quality cardiac images

Point of Care Scanning Tips

Quick guide for optimizing your point of care cardiac ultrasound use

White Paper: Impact of UltraSight’s AI Real-Time Guidance Software

A promising future of increased POCUS use in acute care