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Advancing Aortic Precision Medicine using Deep Learning
About Us
Founded by physicians and scientists, the Third Coast Dynamics team is committed to advancing precision medicine for patients with thoracic aortic disease. By harnessing the power of imaging and artificial intelligence, we strive to disrupt the way these conditions are diagnosed and managed.
Vision
We are developing cutting-edge, imaging-based deep learning tools to analyze aortic blood flow and use this information to predict patient risk of common severe aortic complications such as aneurysm and dissection. Using a standard CT or MRI scan of the aorta, our technology offers patients and their doctors unprecedented insights into aortic health. By providing critical, individualized risk assessments, we empower doctors to better understand each patient’s individual risk and patients receive the best possible care - without delay.
How it Works
A patient undergoes a simple routine CT or MRI scan of the chest. The images are electronically transmitted to Third Coast Dynamics for analysis using AI-powered TCDflow (patent pending). TCDflow provides 3D visualization of aortic blood flow and and generates critical measurements of blood flow metrics linked to elevated risk of severe complications. Physicians can then leverage this information to guide treatment decisions and optimize patient care.
PUBLICATIONS
Artificial Intelligence Derived Aortic Hemodynamic Biomarkers
Clinical Evidence & Proof of Concept Studies
Berhane H, Maroun A, Allen B and Markl M. AI-Derived Systolic 3D Aortic Hemodynamics from Aortic Geometry. In Proceedings: Annual Conference American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS), Hawaii, 2023.
OUR TEAM
Michael Markl, PhD
Co-founder, Science & Innovation​
Dr. Markl is a Professor in Radiology and Biomedical Engineering and Vice Chair for Research in Radiology at Northwestern University. He is a physicist with 25 years of experience in the development of novel imaging techniques for the assessment of cardiovascular function and hemodynamics. He is internationally recognized as a pioneer of 4D flow MRI; research in this area has advanced the understanding of cardiovascular disease processes and enhanced patient care.
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Bradley Allen, MD, MS
Co-founder, Clinical Development
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Dr. Allen is the Chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Imaging at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and an Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He is a physician scientist with research and clinical expertise in the implementation and clinical translational research of 4D flow MRI in patients with aortic diseases.
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Carson Thomas, PhD
Chief Operating Officer​​
Dr. Thomas has 25+ year industry experience with medical device strategic planning, innovative product development, clinical research, marketing, and global product launch initiatives, delivering increased profitability, revenue, and market share. Career marked by product portfolio growth through both global and local focus. Inclusive team leader, developing trust and driving performance across multiple functions at all levels of the organization.
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Kevin Mehta
Chief Strategy & Growth Officer
Kevin is a healthcare executive with 20+ years of experience leading technology solution companies and teams for Payers, Providers, and Government agencies. Kevin has experience working on all aspects of alternative payment models, from basic incentives design to contract structure to operational implementation. He has experience working with and leading teams of product developers, engineers, data scientists, economists, clinicians, and career consultants.
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Northwestern University selected Dr. Allen, Dr. Markl along with fellow co-principal investigators Dr. Bagci and Dr. Ragin to receive up to critical seed funding from the Pat & Shirley Ryan Family Research Acceleration fund.
2023: Awarded 1st place in MIT's Sloan Healthcare Innovations Prize (SHIP) competition. We're honored to have been chosen among 80 teams to compete with dedicated and brilliant entrepreneurs.
TOP 3 Finisher in the 2023 Kellogg Healthcare Entrepreneurship Business Plan Competition
