New Zealand-based Volpara Health Technologies has announced a new research and development collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate the creation of a product that detects and quantifies breast arterial calcifications (BACs).

The product will build upon Volpara’s approach to quantitative and objective breast density scoring using artificial intelligence (AI). Capitalising upon Volpara’s recent BAC patent,  the product will create a tissue composition map that identifies and quantifies BACs from a mammogram, helping radiologists identify the need to take steps toward prevention of heart disease.

Machine learning and AI specialists from Microsoft will assist with improving Volpara’s BACs model and data processing, while Microsoft engineers will collaborate with the Volpara team on the product’s technical development and operationalisation.

The BACs product, as a cardiac decision-support tool for radiologists, would mark Volpara’s entrance into a new area of care, part of a $146.4 billion cardiovascular disease market. With access to over 35 percent of the US breast screening market, Volpara has the installation base to facilitate rollout and adoption of the product, creating a new revenue stream. For women, the BACs product would add a new dimension to their regular breast screenings, providing important information about their cardiovascular health. Any significant BACs findings could be delivered through the Volpara Breast Health Platform directly to the healthcare provider or through Volpara’s partner network.