GE HealthCare Releases AI-Powered Breast Cancer Detection Tech

GE HealthCare has launched its Invenia automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) Premium, a 3D ultrasound with artificial intelligence (AI) to drive faster, reproducible supplemental screening and streamline exam readings on patients with dense breasts.

According to the company, there’s growing evidence supporting ABUS as a useful tool to detect cancer in dense breasts because it generates clearer, more detailed images and has been demonstrated to improve sensitivity of spotting invasive cancer in dense breasts when added to mammography.

The new Verisound AI tools feature Scan Quality Assessment for immediate qualitative evaluation during an exam for correct breast coverage and positioning, as well as Auto Nipple Detection for consistent nipple marker positions. The new Fast Scan tool speeds scans by 40% and cSound Imageformer automatically creates focus at every pixel for consistent, high-resolution image quality and reproducibility.

This advanced ABUS technology can also reduce unnecessary biopsies by providing specific image features to distinguish and detect malignant tumors. It reduces patient exposure to radiation or contrast injection because it doesn’t use iodinated contrast agents or ionizing radiation. The new Reverse Curve transducer follows the contour of a woman’s breast anatomy, while selectable compression levels provide personalized comfort during the exam.

“Women with dense breasts often face poorer outcomes due to malignancies detected at later, more advanced stages. Invenia ABUS Premium equipped with AI has the potential to optimize clinicians’ screening capabilities, enabling them to detect even small, early-stage cancers with a high degree of confidence in women with dense breasts,” said Karley Yoder, CEO of Comprehensive Care Ultrasound, GE HealthCare. “Invenia ABUS Premium is designed to help deliver the best possible outcomes for patients while also prioritizing the patient experience with features to improve scan speed and enhance comfort during an exam.”

Invenia ABUS Premium will launch in key countries throughout the year as has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) premarket approval.