Chen Zhao from Kennesaw State University received the American Heart Association's AIREA for 2025, recognizing his pioneering work in cardiovascular research.
His research focuses on developing non-invasive methods for predicting blood flow to improve cardiovascular disease diagnosis.
Zhao's innovative technology aims to evaluate Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) for diagnosing coronary artery disease, the leading cause of mortality in the US.
Traditional FFR measurement techniques are invasive and time-consuming, whereas Zhao's approach drastically shortens evaluation time to seconds.
By utilizing coronary computed tomography angiography scans, Zhao aims to redefine diagnostic approaches for cardiovascular conditions, enhancing accuracy and patient comfort.
The transformative potential of Zhao's research lies in revolutionizing the entire cardiovascular diagnostic workflow, enabling quicker and more informed decision-making for healthcare providers.
His work exemplifies interdisciplinary collaboration, merging computer science with healthcare to create significant societal impacts.
Zhao's vision extends beyond current diagnostics, aiming to leverage artificial intelligence for medical diagnostics and potentially expand methodologies to other medical fields.
Through his research, Zhao seeks to improve patient outcomes globally and hopes to advance diagnostic technologies that could revolutionize patient care.
His contributions highlight the convergence of technology and medicine, inspiring future researchers to explore critical intersections in healthcare solutions.