GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) is set to exhibit its cutting-edge technologies in image guiding solutions, surgery, ultrasound, and CT-navigation at the upcoming 2024 Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Annual Scientific Meeting from March 23-28 in Salt Lake City, UT. The showcase will highlight innovative solutions designed for precise care delivery across various vascular diseases and health conditions.
Interventional radiology has become a cornerstone of modern medical practice, offering targeted and minimally invasive treatments that can address a wide array of medical conditions. This innovative approach has revolutionized the management of various health issues, ranging from cancer care to vascular diseases, and even common health concerns affecting the quality of life for both men and women.
One significant area of focus in interventional radiology today is prostatic artery embolization (PAE), which has emerged as a highly effective treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. BPH is particularly prevalent among men aged 50 and older. Unlike traditional surgical methods that involve cutting, using lasers, or tissue removal, PAE offers a minimally invasive alternative. During a PAE procedure, clinicians deliver targeted microscopic particles into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate. These particles block the blood flow to the gland, leading to a reduction in size and alleviation of troublesome BPH symptoms.
The success of PAE hinges on clinicians’ ability to accurately identify the correct arteries and vascular anatomy feeding the prostate. This precision is crucial for delivering effective and targeted treatment while minimizing risks and complications.
As part of the ongoing advancements in interventional radiology, GE HealthCare has been at the forefront with its Allia IGS platform and innovative solutions. A recent addition to their offerings is the Embo ASSIST AI software, which represents a significant leap forward in imaging software technology. Embo ASSIST AI integrates artificial intelligence (AI)-based automation into the existing Embo ASSIST software. It is specifically designed to automate the segmentation of vascular structures, facilitating workflow planning for embolization procedures. Additionally, it aids clinicians in visualizing and anticipating the destination for potential injections during procedures.
The introduction of Embo ASSIST AI has been met with positive outcomes, as demonstrated by scientific studies. Users of Embo ASSIST have reported notable benefits, including a reduction in patient dose by significant margins, decreased fluoroscopy and overall procedure times, improved understanding of vascular anatomy compared to traditional imaging methods, and enhanced technical success rates for PAE procedures.
Moreover, Embo ASSIST has extended its support to emerging procedures beyond PAE, such as rectal artery embolization for hemorrhoidal disease and intra-arterial chemotherapy infusion for patients with skull base tumors. These advancements underscore GE HealthCare’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance clinical outcomes and patient experiences across a spectrum of interventional radiology procedures.
Dr. Jafar Golzarian, an experienced interventionalist from North Star Vascular and Interventional, lauds the impact of technologies like Embo ASSIST on patient care. He highlights the real-time image guidance provided by these systems, which enable precise, targeted, and comprehensive treatments for complex diseases. Dr. Golzarian emphasizes the flexibility and workflow efficiencies offered by these technologies, which can be tailored to meet specific needs and preferences, ultimately leading to enhanced patient comfort and improved clinical outcomes.
GE HealthCare’s Allia IGS platform and associated solutions exemplify a paradigm shift in image-guided therapy. By leveraging artificial intelligence and digitization, these innovations empower clinicians to deliver precision care while streamlining workflows and optimizing dose efficiency. The showcase of these technologies at events like the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Annual Scientific Meeting serves as a testament to GE’s ongoing commitment to advancing the practice of interventional radiology for the benefit of clinicians and their patients.
At SIR 2024, GE HealthCare will be showcasing a range of medical devices and digital solutions, including image guiding solutions like the Allia IGS platform and ASSIST solutions. These technologies are designed to enhance user experience, improve workflow integration and efficiency, and provide precise planning, guidance, and assessment of interventional procedures. Additionally, GE will highlight devices such as the OEC 3D surgical imaging C-arm and CT-Navigation system, which offer detailed real-time imaging capabilities for a variety of interventional and oncological procedures. The LOGIQ E10, equipped with advanced AI tools, will also be featured, demonstrating GE’s commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery. Educational discussions led by experts will further enrich the experience, focusing on advanced imaging techniques, AI guidance, and procedural optimizations in interventional radiology.
