GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) has introduced new clinical applications to its OEC 3D mobile CBCT C-arm portfolio, designed to enhance precise and efficient imaging during endoscopic bronchoscopy procedures in interventional pulmonology.
Complex pulmonary and thoracic procedures require precise intraoperative imaging to guide physicians in diagnosing and biopsying suspected lung lesions. However, due to differences in respiratory patterns, patient positioning, and other factors, the position of a nodule often shifts from pre-operative CT images, leading to CT-to-body divergence at the time of the procedure.
GE HealthCare’s OEC 3D intraoperative mobile CBCT continues to deliver excellent imaging for various procedures, including neuro-spine, orthopedic trauma, and interventional procedures like bronchoscopy.
The latest updates to the OEC 3D C-arm portfolio enhance imaging for bronchoscopy procedures by improving visualization of the airways in the lungs. These updates include:
- OEC 3D Lung Suite: The OEC 3D allows clinicians to view both 2D and 3D images of the lungs with a single mobile C-arm. The Lung Suite includes:
- Augmented Fluoroscopy overlay of 3D points of interest onto live fluoroscopy images.
- An adjustable motorized 3D scan that accommodates patient or equipment positions during imaging.
- OEC Open: During bronchoscopy, clinicians often use navigation or robotic assistance, along with advanced imaging, to reach the region of interest. The OEC 3D C-arm now features the OEC Open interface, which automatically transfers 3D volumetric data to verified navigation and robotic systems after reconstruction. A new addition to OEC Open is its verified interface with the Intuitive Ion® Endoluminal Robotic Bronchoscopy System (OS 1 v5.1.0 and later). This interface enables seamless transfer of OEC 3D mobile CBCT images to the Ion System, allowing real-time updates to target locations and improving catheter adjustments during procedures.
GE HealthCare continues to expand its OEC Open interface, offering an agnostic ecosystem compatible with various third-party systems, including robotics, navigation, and augmented reality vision.
Dr. Dominique Pepper, Medical Director of Bronchoscopy and Respiratory Care at Providence Swedish South Puget Sound, shares, “With the Intuitive Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy System now verified to interface with GE HealthCare’s OEC 3D, we can confidently diagnose almost any lung nodule. This is a game-changer for clinicians, providing accurate answers when we detect a suspicious area.”
Christian O’Connor, Global General Manager for Surgery at GE HealthCare, adds, “The integration of the Intuitive Ion robotic system into the OEC Open interface enhances the experience for interventional pulmonologists performing minimally invasive, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedures. This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting surgeons with the latest technologies for exceptional patient care.”
These innovations build on GE HealthCare’s continuous efforts to enhance the OEC C-arm portfolio, improving the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for patients.
About OEC 3D:
First introduced in 2021, the OEC 3D mobile CBCT C-arm provides precise 3D and 2D imaging for a wide range of procedures. In bronchoscopy, features like Lung Preset and Augmented Fluoroscopy with Lung Suite optimize the view of airway structures and confirm tool-in-lesion during procedures. The OEC 3D also offers seamless transition from 3D to 2D imaging, optimizing space in the bronchoscopy suite with an intuitive user interface and workflow.
About GE HealthCare:
GE HealthCare is a global leader in medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and digital solutions. With over 125 years of experience, GE HealthCare is dedicated to improving hospital efficiency, clinician effectiveness, and patient care through integrated solutions, services, and data analytics. The company operates a $19.6 billion business with approximately 51,000 employees, focused on advancing personalized, connected, and compassionate care across the healthcare pathway.
