At this year's RSNA meeting in Chicago, US, GE HealthCare made a significant announcement. They have submitted a 510(k) application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CleaRecon DL, a deep learning technology that utilizes AI-based 3D reconstruction to enhance the quality of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Improving Image Quality and Clinical Confidence

The technology will be available for GE HealthCare's Allia image-guided solutions (IGS) systems. It removes streaks, heightening clinicians' confidence in image interpretation when analyzing CBCT data. For instance, the Allia IGS Pulse system, aimed at enhancing workflow in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases in interventional cardiology, received FDA clearance in October 2023. Arnaud Marie, general manager for global intervention at GE HealthCare, emphasized the significance of this technology. He stated that over the years, artifacts created during scans due to the natural movement of the body and the distribution of contrast have posed a major challenge to clinicians when obtaining CBCT images, acting as a significant barrier to the adoption of CBCT technology. CleaRecon DL is designed to address this issue, enabling physicians and their patients to benefit from advanced imaging technology.

GE HealthCare's Range of Technologies

In addition to CleaRecon DL, GE HealthCare also launched Sonic DL, another deep learning technology. This technology is designed to expedite magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans across various clinical applications. This week, the medtech giant entered an agreement to purchase the remaining 50% stake in Nihon Medi-Physics (NMP) from Sumitomo Chemical, having held 50% in NMP since acquiring Amersham in 2004.

RSNA News and Other Highlights

During the Radiological Society of North America's (RSNA) 2024 meeting, GE HealthCare provided an update on the FDA submission. Philips showcased its next-generation BlueSeal 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging system at the meeting. US-based radiology practice Radiology Partners (RP) announced a partnership with RADPAIR to further the development of generative AI use in radiology. According to GlobalData’s Market Size & Growth database, the global diagnostic imaging space was valued at around $36.3bn in 2023 and is forecast to reach a valuation of around $54.8bn by 2033.