CHICAGO -- GE HealthCare (GEHC) brought new CT and MRI scanners and a range of AI software applications to McCormick Place for RSNA 2023.
CT
In CT, GEHC shined the spotlight on its Revolution Ascend scanner, which was first introduced at ECR in March. With onsite detector upgrades, Ascend can be upgraded from a 20-mm coverage system for routine scanning to a 40-mm coverage system that delivers better low-contrast detectability, according to the vendor.
The scanner also comes with True Enhance DL, an AI-based application that generates deep learning-based monochromatic-like images from a single-energy x-ray acquisition. This capability is designed to increase contrast resolution and is especially useful for challenging oncology exams, GEHC said.
GE HealthCare's new Revolution Ascend CT scanner.
GEHC also pointed to upgrades for its Revolution Apex scanner, including ECG-less Cardiac for acquiring cardiac images without the need for an ECG signal or trace. What’s more, GEHC has launched Tube Watch, which uses digital twin technology to remotely monitor and predict tube failures or potential issues in Apex’s x-ray generation chain.
In addition, the vendor said that its TrueFidelity DL software is available on both Apex and Ascend. Based on a deep neural network, TrueFidelity DL is designed to generate high-definition, low-noise CT images. TrueFidelity DL features for the lung and extremity are available exclusively, however, on the Apex.
Both Apex and Ascend come with GEHC’s Effortless Workflow CT workflow automation software and Smart Subscription services for easy software updates.
In photon-counting CT technology developments, GEHC said that researchers at Stanford Medicine have begun scanning human subjects using its photon-counting CT prototype. The research will produce technical feedback to assist GEHC in assessing the system’s reconstruction methods, image presentation workflow, and clinical benefits for specific pathologies and disease types.
MRI
GEHC unveiled Signa Champion, a 1.5-tesla, wide-bore scanner that features AI-supported workflow features such as the firm’s AIR Recon DL image reconstruction software and Sonic DL software for accelerating image acquisition. The company also highlighted the patient comfort benefits of Champion’s wide bore and short scan times. Notably, Champion has the smallest footprint and is the most power-efficient among GEHC’s wide-bore systems.
GE HealthCare's Signa Champion 1.5-tesla scanner.
Via a partnership with Brazilian automation technology provider Ionic Health, GEHC has also added remote scanning capability as part of a new version of its Digital Expert Access software. Ionic Health’s nCommand Lite technology, which is currently pending U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance, is designed to support vendor-agnostic remote scanning capabilities
As a result of the new technology, remote clinical users can currently initiate a scan on GEHC’s MR devices from inside or outside the radiology suite or at any clinical facility, according to the firm.
Informatics/AI
GEHC featured App Orchestrator, an AI application orchestration platform for facilitating integration of multiple third-party apps into existing workflow. App Orchestrator is compatible with most major PACS, according to the company.
The company also unveiled Theranostics Pathway Manager Tile, an application designed to aid in coordinating the theranostics care pathway, as well as identifying and tracking potential theranostics candidates. It’s available on GEHC’s Command Center Software Platform.
GEHC also introduced version 2.0 of its Imaging 360 for Operations platform. The latest release supports operational analytics, remote scan assistance, protocol management, dose management, and scheduling.
Interventional
In image-guided surgery activities, GEHC showcased two new AI applications previously presented at ECR 2023. Embo Assist AI automatically segments vascular structures to facilitate embolization workflow planning, while Liver Assist Virtual Parenchyma 3D provides AI-based virtual parenchymography.
Interact Touch is a new feature for GEHC’s Allia image-guided surgery platform that enables clinicians to control up to three different third-party devices – including Avvigo+ multimodality guidance system from Boston Scientific -- through one single touch panel.
GEHC has also added an interventional augmented reality (AR) application via a partnership with MediView for OmnifyXR Interventional Suite, which allows users to simultaneously display up to four customized holographic projections of liver imaging. 3D volume images can also be displayed in AR for improved anatomy visualization.
In addition, the company said it has continued its collaboration with Centerline Biomedical for its Intra-Operative Positioning System (IOPS) and has also partnered with Proximie to incorporate real-time collaboration and access to data insights.
Molecular imaging
In molecular imaging, GEHC emphasized the launch of its Precision DL for PET/CT imaGEHC processing software, which is now available on its Omni Legend PET/CT scanner.
GEHC has also brought its Effortless Workflow technology to its molecular imaging portfolio. Available on GEHC’s Omni PET/CT and StarGuide SPECT/CT scanners, the AI-based Effortless Workflow service automates patient positioning and suggests protocols to enable time savings for molecular imaging studies, according to the firm.
In theranostics developments, GEHC has formed a collaboration with cancer treatment center BAMF Health to provide its PETtrace Solid Target gallium production platform; Omni Legend; Signa PET/MR AIR scanner; StarGuide SPECT/CT scanner; and software such as Precision DL, AIR Recon DL, and Q.Thera AI.
GEHC also displayed its Signa PET/MR AIR system, which was introduced at the annual Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) conference in June.
Ultrasound
In ultrasound developments, GEHC discussed the addition of Caption Guidance AI software to its Venue family of point-of-care ultrasound systems. With Caption Guidance, even healthcare providers without specialized training or experience can perform cardiac ultrasound exams and acquire diagnostic-quality cardiac images, according to the vendor.
GEHC acquired caption guidance developer Caption Health earlier this year and said it plans to integrate the software into other ultrasound systems in its portfolio, including handheld units.
GE also introduced bkActive, an ultrasound system that provides real-time surgical visualization and improved control over procedures supporting surgeons and clinicians in urology, neurosurgery, hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeries, colorectal and pelvic floor surgeries, and laparoscopic surgeries. The system was developed by GEHC company BK Medical.
Other ultrasound scanners on display included GEHC’s Logiq E10, Fortis, Invenia ABUS 2.0, Vscan AIR SL, and Voluson Expert systems. The company also showed its Vivid series of cardiovascular ultrasound scanners.
Additionally, GE pointed to its Verisound suite of ultrasound software applications, including Verisound Reporting, Verisound Fleet Management, Verisound Collaboration, and Vscan Digital Tools.
Meanwhile, a new version of GE’s ViewPoint software, 6.14, enables data to be distributed directly from the ultrasound scanner to populate reports.
Women’s imaging
GEHC introduced MyBreastAI Suite, an AI platform that currently integrates three AI applications from partner iCAD, including the following: ProFound AI for DBT, PowerLook Density Assessment, and SecondLook for 2D Mammography.
To help practices start a new contrast-enhanced mammography program, GEHC has launched Pristina Bright, which combines SenoBright HD, Pristina Serena, and Serena Bright with an education program that provides dedicated onsite support, CME-accredited self-assessment, and access to a user club to collaborate with experts around the globe, the firm said.
X-ray
In radiology’s oldest modality, GEHC once again emphasized Definium 656 HD, an overhead tube suspension system with the highest weight capacity in the company’s fixed x-ray portfolio. At RSNA 2023, the firm announced upgrades to Definium 656 HD aimed at improving image quality and consistency, reducing acquisition errors, and streamlining workflows.
The company also debuted Precision CRF, a fluoroscopy system featuring an overhead tube suspension, digital detectors, intelligence exposure control, and image processing software. It supports both radiography and fluoroscopic imaging.
Another introduction, Definium Pace, is a fixed x-ray system available at a value price point, according to GEHC. It comes with a range of automation and enhanced workflow features, the company said.
In other news, GE announced that users of its legacy AMX 200, 220, or 240 systems can now be upgraded to an AMX fixed-column configuration, as well as a modern user interface and software functionalities.
Pharmaceutical diagnostics
The company pointed to a recent study that validated the use of AI models for predicting patient response to therapy. In research presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer in San Diego in November, the AI models yielded 70%-80% accuracy for predicting treatment response.
Cardiology
In cardiology, GEHC introduced CardioVision for AFib, a software tool for management of patients with atrial fibrillation. The software automatically compiles longitudinal data for disease progression from multiple data sources and generates therapy recommendations based on guidelines, according to the vendor.
