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GE HealthCare picks up AI ultrasound firm for $51 million
Photo: Franco Vogt/Getty Images
GE HealthCare has entered into an agreement to acquire Intelligent Ultrasound’s clinical AI software business for $51 million. Intelligent Ultrasound specializes in integrated AI-driven image analysis tools designed to make ultrasound more efficient.
GE HealthCare plans to incorporate these solutions across its ultrasound portfolio and expects them to improve workflows and increase ease of use for both clinicians and patients.
Phil Rackliffe, president and CEO of Ultrasound and Image-Guided Therapies for GE HealthCare, said the acquisition will allow GE to integrate the solutions into its systems, “to help clinicians improve workflow, reduce repetitive tasks and simplify exams.”
The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year. GE said it will finance the transaction with cash on hand.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT?
Intelligent Ultrasound features ScanNav Assist AI technology, which powers SonoLystlive and SonoLyst X/IR, available on GE HealthCare’s Voluson Expert and Voluson Signature ultrasound devices. SonoLyst is also currently available on Voluson SWIFT.
By acquiring the business, GE HealthCare also adds to an AI innovation pipeline that it hopes will help drive future development and realize long-term efficiencies.
GE HealthCare plans to welcome Intelligent Ultrasound’s team of research and development experts, who will help drive AI-enabled image recognition and innovation for GE HealthCare Women’s Health ultrasound devices, as well as across the broader portfolio.
This deal follows GE HealthCare’s acquisition of Caption Health in 2023, which added new capabilities in AI-enabled image guidance and expertise in developing AI to aid in early disease detection in other areas.
GE cited to look for showing that as exams become more complex, 81% of hospitals report shortages of radiology technologists and 90% of sonographers report work-related musculoskeletal disorders due to workload and repetitive motions, among other factors.
THE BIGGER TREND
The deal bolsters GE HealthCare’s portfolio of AI-enabled devices, the company said, and supports its precision care strategy aimed at addressing inefficiencies in clinical care workflow and improving the quality of patient care across the care pathway.
With the sale of its clinical AI business, Intelligent Ultrasound will continue to operate with a focus on its ultrasound simulation technology.
In February, GE Healthcare entered into collaboration with OSF HealthCare, an integrated health system in Illinois and Michigan, and Pointcore, a health management and non-clinical shared services company. In addition to increasing efficiency, the goal is to standardize care delivery models and improve patient outcomes across OSF HealthCare.
Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a He Publication in the media.