GE HealthCare Introduces Caption AI on Vscan Air SL Wireless Handheld Ultrasound System to Help More Clinicians Capture Diagnostic-Quality Cardiac Images
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Insights
The introduction of Caption AI on Vscan Air SL by GE HealthCare represents a significant advancement in the field of medical imaging and diagnostics, particularly in cardiac care. The integration of artificial intelligence for real-time guidance and automated ejection fraction calculation is a noteworthy development that addresses the critical need for efficient and accurate cardiac assessments at the point of care.
From a technology perspective, the use of AI to guide both experienced and novice users in capturing diagnostic-quality images can potentially reduce the variability in image acquisition, which has been a long-standing challenge in echocardiography. The AutoEF feature automates the calculation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), a key metric in diagnosing and managing heart disease, thereby streamlining the workflow for clinicians and potentially improving patient throughput.
Moreover, the portability of the Vscan Air SL device equipped with single crystal transducer technology underscores a trend in medical devices towards more mobile and accessible solutions. This aligns with the broader industry shift towards decentralized healthcare, where point-of-care diagnostics can play a pivotal role in both developed and resource-limited settings.
The launch of Vscan Air SL with Caption AI by GE HealthCare is poised to have a considerable impact on the healthcare industry, especially considering the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) worldwide. The ease of use facilitated by the AI software could democratize access to quality cardiac care by enabling a wider range of medical professionals to perform echocardiographic assessments. This is particularly relevant in areas facing a shortage of specialized sonographers.
From a market perspective, GE HealthCare's strategic acquisition of Caption Health in 2023 and the integration of its AI technology into handheld ultrasound devices positions the company favorably within the competitive landscape of ultrasound and AI in healthcare. GE HealthCare's claim of having the most AI-enabled medical device authorizations in the US is indicative of its commitment to innovation and leadership in this space.
The timing of the product's showcase at the 2024 American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session & Expo also reflects a strategic marketing approach, leveraging a platform where key stakeholders are present to generate industry buzz and potentially secure early adopters.
The release of the Vscan Air SL with Caption AI could have financial implications for GE HealthCare and its stakeholders. By expanding the capabilities of handheld ultrasound devices with AI, GE HealthCare is enhancing its product offering in a market where precision and efficiency are increasingly valued. The potential for this technology to streamline cardiac care and reduce the need for multiple or repeat scans could lead to cost savings for healthcare providers and payers, as well as improved patient outcomes.
Investors may view this launch as an indicator of GE HealthCare's ability to innovate and maintain a competitive edge in the medical device sector. The emphasis on AI and the company's extensive portfolio of AI-enabled devices may attract interest from investors looking for growth opportunities in the intersection of healthcare and technology. However, the actual market adoption rate and the impact on GE HealthCare's financial performance will depend on factors such as clinician acceptance, reimbursement policies and the overall economic climate affecting healthcare expenditure.
- Caption AI on Vscan Air SL expands access to cardiac care by enabling more medical professionals to feel confident acquiring images for rapid assessments
- AutoEF feature automatically calculates ejection fraction, saving time for clinicians while delivering key information for making their diagnoses
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GE HealthCare to debut new technology at 2024 American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session & Expo, April 6 – 8, 2024 in
Atlanta
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, and the prevalence is expected to continue rising as people live longer and the population increases.1 Early detection of heart disease is critical to improving patient outcomes, but providing rapid echocardiographic assessments at the point of care can be difficult in resource-constrained facilities and practices. Vscan Air SL with Caption AI is designed to lower the threshold for healthcare professionals to be able to capture cardiac images so that even non-expert ultrasound users can take a quick look at patients’ hearts.
"With the increase of cardiovascular disease and shortage of sonographers around the globe, innovations like the Vscan Air SL with Caption AI are hugely transformative in cardiac care, supporting rapid and confident assessments at the point of care," said cardiologist Jordan B. Strom, M.D., MSc. "AI guidance has enormous potential in ultrasound due to its ability to guide experts and relatively new users in retrieving diagnostic-quality information to make timely and accurate decisions and get patients on the right path sooner."
Caption AI provides real-time visual guidance to prompt users on probe movements and includes a quality meter to ensure the user obtains the best possible images. Once an image is captured, the AutoEF feature automatically calculates a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). In addition, users can efficiently scan with AutoCapture and Save Best Clip features to capture the best quality image from each view.
The ultraportable Vscan Air SL provides high levels of depth, resolution and sensitivity in imaging performance with an industry-leading single crystal transducer technology. The latest integration of Caption AI builds on GE HealthCare’s history and innovation in handheld ultrasound—having introduced the pioneering Vscan in 2010 as the first color, pocket-sized ultrasound device—and is helping to make next-generation ultrasound care accessible to even more patients.
"The integration of Caption AI with the Vscan Air SL handheld ultrasound opens an entirely new chapter for cardiac screening. This technology empowers users with guidance and tools for high quality ultrasound scans and supports earlier detection of cardiac disease," said Roland Rott, president and CEO, Ultrasound, GE HealthCare. "The strategic acquisition of Caption Health in 2023 continues to expand the capabilities of our products and solidifies our leadership in ultrasound and the emerging artificial intelligence landscape."
The launch of Vscan Air SL with Caption AI advances GE HealthCare’s vision and efforts to strengthen precision care, joining the approximately 60 AI-enabled medical device authorizations from GE HealthCare in
In addition to Vscan Air SL, GE HealthCare will also showcase its suite of innovative products and solutions across the cardiology care pathway at ACC 2024, including CardioVisio for Atrial Fibrillation, a digital, patient-centric clinical decision support tool, which includes the most recent ACC guidelines. Telling the story of the heart with integrated cardiology technology, the comprehensive portfolio of cardiovascular solutions delivers across the full continuum of patient care from diagnosis and treatment all the way through post-treatment monitoring.
The Vscan Air SL with Caption AI will be on display in booth #2517. For more information, visit the Vscan Air website here.
About Vscan Air
GE HealthCare's Vscan Air offers two flexible, wireless, dual-probe handheld ultrasound options: the Vscan Air SL, which includes a sector-phased array transducer for rapid cardiac assessments, and the Vscan Air CL, which includes a curved array transducer for abdominal imaging, obstetric assessments, and more. Uniquely, both models also include a linear array transducer bringing shallow and deep scanning together on a single dual probe device suitable for a wide range of assessments. Both models provide a flexible, lightweight, wireless device that delivers crystal clear images anytime, anywhere to help accelerate diagnoses and treatment decisions. The Vscan Air SL now features Caption AI technology, providing clinicians with real-time, step-by-step guidance for confident cardiac assessments at the point of care. The Vscan Air app, available on Android™ and iOS™ devices, allows for the secure viewing of images on a mobile device so clinicians can take Vscan Air with them to every patient.
About GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.
GE HealthCare is a leading global medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and digital solutions innovator, dedicated to providing integrated solutions, services, and data analytics to make hospitals more efficient, clinicians more effective, therapies more precise, and patients healthier and happier. Serving patients and providers for more than 125 years, GE HealthCare is advancing personalized, connected, and compassionate care, while simplifying the patient’s journey across the care pathway. Together our Imaging, Ultrasound, Patient Care Solutions, and Pharmaceutical Diagnostics businesses help improve patient care from diagnosis, to therapy, to monitoring. We are a
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1 World Health Organization. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). June 11, 2021. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds). Accessed April 2024.
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Eric Tatro
Media Contact
GE HealthCare
+1 312 459 6140
Eric.Tatro@gehealthcare.com
Source: GE HealthCare
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