RecruitingNot ApplicableObservational

Evaluating an artificial intelligence tool for measuring the aorta from computed tomography (CT) scans

This study is looking at a new computer programme, Aorta AIM, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to measure the body's main blood vessel, called the aorta, from CT scans. The aorta carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body, and its size is important for doctors to monitor for certain conditions. Currently, specialist doctors measure the aorta by hand, which can take time and sometimes vary. Aorta AIM is designed to do this automatically. Researchers will compare measurements from Aorta AIM with those made by specialist doctors using existing CT scans. The goal is to see if Aorta AIM can accurately and consistently measure the aorta, which could help doctors in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

AIATELLA Oy

Enrolment target

225

Start

11 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Aortic pathology, including aneurysm and dissection

What is this study about?

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in your body, acting like a super-highway that carries oxygen-rich blood from your heart to all your other organs and limbs. Sometimes, this important blood vessel can get bigger than it should, which doctors need to keep a close eye on as it could lead to serious health problems. To do this, doctors often use CT scans, which are special X-rays that create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, including your aorta.

Right now, specialist doctors carefully measure the aorta on these CT scans by hand. This process takes a lot of time and, because it's human-made, the measurements might sometimes be slightly different depending on who is doing the measuring. This study is testing a new computer programme called Aorta AIM. This programme uses 'artificial intelligence' – a type of computer technology designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence – to automatically measure the aorta from CT scans.

The main goal of this study is to check how accurate Aorta AIM is. Researchers will compare the measurements made by the AI tool with the measurements made by experienced doctors. If Aorta AIM works well, it could help doctors measure the aorta more quickly and consistently in the future. This could mean faster, more reliable information for doctors caring for patients with conditions affecting their aorta.

Key takeaways

This study uses existing, anonymous CT scans.
It tests an AI tool called Aorta AIM for measuring the main blood vessel (aorta).
No patients are contacted or asked to change their care.
The goal is to help doctors measure the aorta more quickly and consistently in the future.
There are no risks to patients as personal data is removed.

Who may be eligible?

This study carefully reviews existing CT scans that were taken as part of routine hospital care. To be included, the CT scan must be of an adult (aged 22 or older) and have been performed between January 2016 and August 2025. The scan needs to show the aorta, either fully or in parts, and the images must be clear enough for detailed analysis.

Some scans cannot be used for this study. For example, if a patient has metal implants very close to their aorta (like some heart stents) or has had surgery on their aorta in the past, their scan would not be included. Also, if the scan images are blurry, or if the patient has certain natural differences in their aorta from birth, those scans would not be used. Finally, if you have previously told the NHS that you don't want your health information used for research, your scan will not be part of this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult aged 22 or older?
Was your CT scan taken between January 2016 and August 2025?
Did your CT scan show your aorta (the main blood vessel)?
Do you have very clear CT scan images (not blurry)?
Have you not opted out of sharing your NHS data for research?
Have you not had prior surgery on your aorta?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study doesn't involve any direct action from you, as a patient. The study uses CT scans that have already been taken as part of your regular medical care at one of three NHS hospitals in England. You won't be contacted, asked to visit the hospital for extra appointments, or have any changes to your current medical treatment. Before any scan is used, all information that could identify you (like your name or address) is removed. The study simply compares measurements from a new AI tool with those made by doctors, using these anonymous scans. No changes are made to anyone's care based on this study's findings.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct risks to patients in this study. This is because the study only uses existing, anonymous CT scan images and doesn't involve any contact with patients or changes to their care. Your personal details are removed from the scans before they are used for research. The potential benefit of this research is that if the Aorta AIM tool proves to be accurate, it could help doctors measure the aorta more consistently and efficiently in the future. This could lead to a better understanding and management of conditions affecting the aorta, ultimately benefiting patients.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
City only
North Shields, England
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Sunderland, England

Common questions

What is the aorta?

The aorta is your body's main blood vessel, carrying blood from your heart to the rest of your body.

What is Aorta AIM?

Aorta AIM is a computer programme using artificial intelligence to automatically measure the aorta from CT scans.

Will I be contacted or need to do anything?

No, you will not be contacted. The study uses existing CT scans with your personal details removed, and there are no extra appointments or changes to your care.

How is my privacy protected?

All identifying information is removed from any CT scan images before they are used for the study, ensuring your privacy.

Who is funding this research?

The study is funded by AIATELLA Oy, a company based in Finland.

How to find out more

Jack Parker

jack@aiatella.com +358 4578313729 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.