Take the “AI” out of “WAIT”: A Proactive Diagnostic Approach to Masses

Sponsored by HT Vista

During Fetch Long Beach 2024, Natalie L. Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V, an internationally renowned veterinarian, veterinary educator, media expert, and angel investor based in Chicago, IL, presented a session on utilizing newer technologies, like HT Vista’s Heat Diffusion Imaging tool to screen for canine dermal and subcutaneous masses and differentiate between benign and potentially malignant tumors. "This isn’t a replacement for FNAs or biopsies," she emphasized, "but a decision-support tool to help us screen which masses need further investigation." By offering a middle ground between watchful waiting and invasive testing, HT Vista empowers clinicians to make more informed, proactive decisions during point-of-care visits.

Heat Diffusion Imaging Overview
The HT Vista device operates by heating tissue for 10 seconds and analyzing its cooling patterns over the next 30 seconds. Malignant tissues cool faster than benign ones due to differences in vascularity, metabolism, and tissue structure. The device generates a heat diffusion score from 1 to 10, with scores of 5–10 indicating a high likelihood of benignity, and scores of 1–4 suggesting malignancy, prompting further diagnostics. "The negative predictive value is huge," Dr. Marks explained. "It means 98% of the time, when this tool says a mass is benign, it really is. That’s the kind of confidence we need." Results are delivered in just four minutes, making it an efficient and valuable addition to veterinary practices.

Cost-Effective Screening & More Informed Decision-Making
Dr. Marks underscored the tool’s importance in addressing long-standing challenges in veterinary oncology. Traditional approaches, such as cytology, can be cost-prohibitive for many clients, leading to delays in diagnosis. "Unfortunately, for many veterinarians today, the recommendation is to watch and monitor," she noted. "Thirty years ago, that might have been fine, but we can and should do better now." HT Vista bridges this gap by offering a proactive and affordable screening solution that enhances access to care while providing clients with the peace of mind they need to make informed decisions.
Real-life cases highlighted the practical impact of HT Vista. Dr. Marks described a senior dog with 14 masses, a situation where aspirating all lumps would be financially and logistically challenging for most clients. "How many clients can afford to aspirate 14 masses?" she asked. "With HT Vista, you can screen them all and focus your diagnostics where it’s most needed." In another case, the device could have expedited the identification of a mast cell tumor, allowing for earlier intervention.

While acknowledging some current limitations, such as inapplicability to ulcerated or reproductive masses, Dr. Marks emphasized the potential for growth as HT Vista’s AI technology evolves. "The more data we feed it, the smarter it gets," she explained. She urged veterinary teams to embrace innovations like HT Vista, which complement traditional diagnostics rather than replacing them. "This is about preserving the bond between families and their pets," she said. "It’s why we became veterinarians—to improve the quality and quantity of life for our patients." By incorporating HT Vista into their practices, veterinarians can provide comprehensive, compassionate care while enhancing client trust and patient outcomes.