Physicians have always been at the heart of HCA Healthcare – two of our three founders were physicians. Through our blog series, HCA Healthcare Expert Voices, we spotlight exemplary physicians who are shaping the future of medicine and driving innovations that lead to healthier tomorrows. Join us as we introduce you to expert physicians who are advancing new care strategies to meet the unique, complex and critical needs of our patients.
Dr. Yazan Alderazi, Gulf Coast Division Medical Director
Cerebrovascular Disease and Neurointerventional Surgery
HCA Houston Healthcare (Houston, Texas)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping to redefine the way we approach cerebrovascular care. At HCA Houston Healthcare, Dr. Yazan Alderazi is leading the charge to integrate AI into clinical workflows – giving physicians a powerful advantage to help detect cerebral aneurysms early, before they pose a serious risk to patients.
Using advanced machine-learning algorithms, AI can analyze CT angiography (CTA) scans, even those originally captured for unrelated conditions, to identify aneurysms that might otherwise go unnoticed. This means physicians can intervene sooner, reducing the chance of rupture and improving patient outcomes.
“When it comes to aneurysms, technology can support physicians in new ways and give us confidence that no patient is left behind,” said Dr. Alderazi, a triple board-certified neuroendovascular surgeon, vascular neurologist and neurointensivist.
Since joining HCA Healthcare in 2022, Dr. Alderazi has combined his passion for science, service and innovation to expand access to advanced stroke care. Under his leadership, HCA Healthcare’s Gulf Coast Division has grown its comprehensive stroke centers from two to five, ensuring more patients across the greater Houston region receive timely, specialized care when it matters most. “I wanted to work with people and to do something that’s a meaningful service,” said Dr. Alderazi.
Beyond program development, Dr. Alderazi is deeply committed to research and collaboration. He has co-authored peer-reviewed studies, served as a reviewer for leading medical journals and presented his work nationally and internationally. His efforts reflect HCA Healthcare’s dedication to improve patient care through innovation and education, leveraging insights across more than 190 hospitals to benefit patients everywhere. “We are uniquely positioned to innovate and share best practices at a scale that truly makes a difference,” he said.
Among the most promising advancements are AI tools that automatically detect unruptured cerebral aneurysms on CTA imaging. “Patients with ruptured aneurysms typically seek care quickly because the symptoms are severe,” Dr. Alderazi explained. “But those with unruptured aneurysms may have no idea they’re at risk.” AI helps physicians flag these hidden aneurysms earlier, enabling proactive treatment before they become life-threatening.
Each year, HCA Healthcare hospitals provide care for approximately 12,000 patients with aneurysms and perform more than 3,000 procedures – supported by advanced tools, including AI-assisted detection, to help deliver the best possible outcomes.
To learn how AI is reshaping cerebrovascular care and what it means for future patients, we sat down with Dr. Alderazi to discuss the power of early detection, the importance of sharing learnings across the industry and where this technology is headed next.
What is a cerebral or brain aneurysm?
Dr. Alderazi: A cerebral aneurysm, or brain aneurysm, happens when a blood vessel in or near the brain develops a weak spot and starts to bulge outward – almost like a balloon. This weakness occurs because of constant pressure from blood flow over time.
If that bulge leaks or ruptures, it causes bleeding in the brain, which is a medical emergency.
A rupture can lead to severe disability, coma or even death. That’s why early detection and treatment are so important.
What are the risk factors of brain aneurysms?
Dr. Alderazi: A brain aneurysm can develop for several reasons. Some people have genetic predisposition, but most of my patients don’t have a family history of the condition. The most common risk factors I see include smoking, high blood pressure and inflammation. Certain drug use and, in rare cases, traumatic head injury can also increase the risk.
What are the warning signs of a rupture?
Dr. Alderazi: When it comes to brain aneurysms, the most important symptom to watch for is what we call a thunderclap headache. This is a sudden, severe headache that patients often describe as the worst headache of their life. If you experience that kind of pain, it’s a red flag that needs immediate medical attention.
Other warning signs can include dilated pupils, blurred or double vision, pain above or behind the eye, weakness or numbness and even difficulty speaking. These symptoms can indicate that an aneurysm has ruptured or is about to rupture.
Most people with undetected aneurysms don’t have any symptoms at all – that’s what makes them so dangerous. When we do find an aneurysm, specialized care is essential to determine whether it needs treatment or if it can be safely monitored.
Can you explain how you are currently using AI in the brain aneurysm space?
Dr. Alderazi: At HCA Houston Healthcare and across our broader HCA Healthcare network, we’re using AI to help identify brain aneurysms that might otherwise go unnoticed. Many patients have imaging done during their healthcare journey – whether in an emergency room, stroke center or imaging facility – for reasons completely unrelated to aneurysms. Sometimes, those scans reveal an unruptured aneurysm by chance.
To make sure these findings aren’t missed, we use AI to analyze CTA scans and flag potential aneurysms. When the system detects something, it immediately alerts both the radiologist and me as the neurointerventionalist. That quick notification allows us to review the images right away and decide on the next steps for care.
AI also helps streamline coordination with clinic staff so follow-up appointments can be scheduled promptly. For me, it means I can access and review scans remotely – whether I’m in the clinic, between procedures or on call – so patients get expert input as quickly as possible. Ultimately, this technology helps us provide timely, specialized care and peace of mind for patients who might otherwise never know they were at risk.
Why is it important to keep a human in the loop when using AI?
Dr. Alderazi: AI is an incredible tool, but it’s not the whole answer. At HCA Healthcare, we’ve worked hard to integrate technology in ways that truly benefit patients and clinicians. While AI has advanced our ability to detect aneurysms, it doesn’t replace the judgment, experience and empathy of a physician – or the coordination of a care team.
When an aneurysm is identified, patients need more than a notification. Patients need context, reassurance and a clear plan. Explaining what the finding means, outlining treatment options and guiding decisions – these are things only a physician can do. Technology is powerful, but it doesn’t understand fear, hope or the nuances of individual cases. Keeping a human in the loop ensures care remains safe, personalized and compassionate.
I often describe AI as a horizontal technology because it impacts multiple specialties at once. Unlike tools designed for a single clinical area, AI can reshape entire care pathways. That’s why collaboration across disciplines is essential to ensure these tools are implemented responsibly and effectively.
In healthcare, safety always comes first. Whenever we introduce new technology, especially something as powerful as AI, we must strike the right balance between innovation and caution. My team and I are committed to using cutting-edge tools, while always prioritizing patient safety.
We focus on building systems that are reliable and thoroughly tested. At the same time, we don’t want to delay technologies that can truly improve patient outcomes or help us deliver better care. That’s why every AI solution we use goes through a rigorous process to make sure it integrates smoothly into our workflows and meets HCA Healthcare’s high standards for quality and safety.
“For me, it’s about giving patients the best of both worlds: the benefits of advanced technology and the reassurance that their care is guided by experienced clinicians who put safety first.”
Dr. Yazan Alderazi, Medical Director of Cerebrovascular Disease and Neurointerventional Surgery, HCA Houston Healthcare
Dr. Alderazi: As a physician, I’ve seen how artificial intelligence is changing the way we approach diagnostics. One of its greatest strengths is speed. AI can process data incredibly quickly, analyzing images in seconds and large datasets in minutes. This rapid analysis helps clinicians to identify serious conditions sooner and share findings with care teams more efficiently, which ultimately benefits patients.
When I think about integrating AI into clinical workflows, I see it playing different roles. In many cases, AI acts as an accelerator, enhancing existing processes by making detection and response faster. There are still areas where AI isn’t yet applicable, and in those situations, traditional methods remain essential. At the same time, AI offers capabilities at a scale we’ve never had before, and that means some workflows need to be completely reimagined to take full advantage of what AI can do. In these cases, we design new processes that leverage AI’s strengths rather than simply layering it onto old systems.
We work hard to build systems that are resilient and avoid single points of failure. AI is an incredible tool, but it works best when combined with clinical expertise and a strong commitment to ethical care.
How has adopting new technologies changed the way you care for patients, and what led you to explore AI?
Dr. Alderazi: Over the years, technology has transformed many aspects of how I deliver care, but the core principles have never changed. My focus is always on keeping patients at the center of everything we do. I want to create workflows that make sense for our teams and ensure the entire system functions in a reliable and safe manner.
Each wave of innovation has reshaped the practice of medicine. When we introduced magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRIs, it completely changed how we could visualize and diagnose conditions. Later, flow diverters for aneurysms and stent-retrievers for strokes opened new possibilities for treatment that were previously unimaginable. Another major milestone was the development of clot-busting medications like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which allowed us to treat strokes that were once untreatable. These breakthroughs didn’t just improve outcomes, they fundamentally changed how we practice medicine, shifting us from being pure diagnosticians to specialists who intervene and treat disease, often in emergency settings.
Artificial intelligence is the latest advancement, and I believe it will be just as transformative. What excites me most about AI is its ability to help us catch things we might have otherwise missed, which can ultimately save more lives. It also allows us to work in a more patient-centered way. By automating certain tasks, AI gives our team more time to spend with patients, explain findings and help them understand their diagnosis so they can make informed decisions about their care.
What advice would you give to physicians and health systems exploring AI, and how do you see it shaping the future of healthcare?
Dr. Alderazi: My advice is to embrace AI and its benefits but do so thoughtfully. Patient safety, privacy and autonomy must remain at the center of every decision – those principles don’t change, no matter how advanced technology becomes.
I recommend creating a framework that separates reversible from irreversible decisions. Designing a safe space to test reversible decisions gives teams room to learn and innovate without unnecessary risk. This approach helps us move forward responsibly while minimizing harm.
Looking ahead, what excites me most about AI is its potential to strengthen the human connection in medicine. Physicians already spend meaningful time with patients, but there are many administrative and technical tasks that compete for our attention. AI can give us even more time to focus on what matters most: listening and partnering with patients in their care decisions. That’s the heart of medicine.
“AI is an incredible tool, but like any tool, it must be used responsibly. If we keep patients and their experience at the center – and stay true to safety, effectiveness and collaboration – we can deliver the best technology with the best expertise in a way that feels personal and patient-centered.”
Dr. Yazan Alderazi, Medical Director of Cerebrovascular Disease and Neurointerventional Surgery, HCA Houston Healthcare
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