TL;DR:
- Siemens Healthineers introduces Acuson Origin, an AI-enhanced cardiovascular ultrasound system.
- The system can identify imaged anatomy and suggest next steps for enhanced patient care.
- AI algorithms automate around 500 measurements, improving efficiency and accuracy.
- Unveiled at ESC Congress 2023, it marks a significant leap in cardiac imaging technology.
- Acuson Origin replaces SC2000, offering real-time AI-driven anatomical detection.
- The system addresses the full spectrum of cardiovascular patient care, from diagnostics to pediatric procedures.
- AI capabilities based on a massive cardiac image database of over 80 million exams.
- Automated contouring, quantification, and unique 2D and 4D HeartAI features streamline processes.
- Acuson Origin’s lightweight design and ergonomic controls improve user experience.
- Potential market impact includes improved diagnostic accuracy, faster workflows, and enhanced patient care.
Main AI News:
The latest breakthrough from Siemens Healthineers comes in the form of Acuson Origin, an innovative cardiovascular ultrasound system enriched with robust artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This cutting-edge system has the remarkable ability to not only discern the imaged anatomy but also anticipate the subsequent crucial steps required to elevate patient care. Debuting at the prestigious ESC Congress 2023, the annual congregation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), Acuson Origin introduces AI algorithms that streamline and automate approximately 500 distinct measurements.
At the heart of this unveiling lies an advancement that’s generating significant buzz. “This is truly revolutionary. Most of the time with a technological advancement, you can’t say that because it is just a new feature on an old system, but this is a completely new creature,” emphasized Dr. Robert Burke, Director of Noninvasive Cardiovascular Diagnostic Imaging at Honor Health in Phoenix. In his explanation, the Origin system possesses a newfound capacity to comprehend its visual input and subsequently dictate the next three steps to guide medical professionals through the necessary procedures.
Dr. Burke, a notable authority in the field, has personally evaluated the Origin system’s prowess in various applications, from heart valve procedures to left atrial appendage occlusion and transcatheter aortic valve replacements. His enthusiasm was palpable as he detailed the system’s real-time AI-driven anatomical detection, which eliminates the time-consuming search for measurement tools, boosting efficiency immensely. A solitary AI button, embedded in the system’s interface, orchestrates hundreds of measurements simply by analyzing the current screen image.
This remarkable innovation is positioned to supplant the SC2000, Siemens Healthineers’ venerable echocardiography system. While the SC2000 has witnessed several AI algorithm implementations over the past decade, these necessitated human intervention to choose algorithms for image quantification. The Acuson Origin, however, breaks new ground by autonomously detecting cardiac anatomy as soon as the transducer touches the patient, subsequently charting the required examination steps based on its analysis.
Siemens Healthineers envisions the Acuson Origin as a comprehensive solution spanning the gamut of cardiovascular patient care – from diagnostics to structural heart procedures, electrophysiological interventions, and pediatric cases. This unveiling is timely, given the global surge in cardiovascular disease cases. Simultaneously, there’s a shortfall of cardiologists and sonographers, accentuating the need for efficient and accurate diagnostic tools. Structural heart cases are also poised to increase, driven by emerging transcatheter tricuspid and mitral valve devices.
Addressing these evolving demands, Siemens Healthineers proclaims that the AI-integrated Acuson Origin expedites workflows while ameliorating precision and consistency issues inherent to human-operated measurements. Designed to streamline cognitive and ergonomic demands during cardiac procedures, the Origin system potentially fosters greater uniformity and efficiency for practitioners.
Mr. Ajay Gannerkote, President of Ultrasound for Siemens Healthineers, remarked, “Siemens Healthineers is committed to shaping the future of ultrasound imaging by empowering healthcare professionals with the latest cutting-edge tools.” He affirmed that the Acuson Origin exemplifies this commitment, with its comprehensive AI capabilities that enhance diagnostic accuracy, patient care quality, and the entire cardiovascular imaging landscape.
Underpinning the Acuson Origin’s AI capabilities is an unparalleled training regimen. Siemens boasts that the AI features have been honed on the world’s largest cardiac image database, encompassing over 80 million cardiac ultrasound exams. This wealth of data equips the system with automated contouring and quantification capabilities across all four cardiac chambers, obviating the need for an ECG through its 2D and 4D HeartAI functionalities. The Acuson Origin stands unique as the sole commercially available system with the groundbreaking capacity to perform auto tracking on contrast images via its 2D HeartAI feature.
Further, the 4D HeartAI component marks a dual advancement, facilitating 4D auto contouring of all four chambers during 4D transthoracic echo (TTE), and both ventricles during 4D transesophageal echo (TEE). The system’s novelty extends to real-time cardiac view recognition, an industry-first feature. AI Assist, a specialized AI-driven capability for TEEs, instantaneously identifies cardiac structures upon transducer-chest wall contact.
Beyond its AI capabilities, the Acuson Origin stands out for its ergonomic design, which minimizes repetitive motions, and strategically positioned controls that enhance user convenience. Dr. Burke’s enthusiasm resonates when he highlights the system’s ability to perform strain measurements in 3D volumes and with contrast, a previously unattainable feat. Additionally, the system’s AI Doppler feature astounds with its exceptional speed and accuracy.
Dr. Burke’s own experiences reflect the system’s prowess in aiding procedures like TEE during structural heart interventions. With its inherent AI-driven multiplanar reconstruction view and seamless catheter tracking, the Acuson Origin streamlines process and minimizes the need for toggling between multiple screens. This unveiling indeed marks a remarkable stride in the realm of cardiovascular imaging, a stride defined by innovation, precision, and transformative potential.
Conclusion:
Siemens Healthineers’ launch of the Acuson Origin heralds a new era in cardiac imaging. This innovative system, backed by robust AI capabilities and real-time recognition, has the potential to reshape the cardiovascular imaging market. Its automated measurements, enhanced accuracy, and user-friendly design position it as a transformative tool for healthcare professionals, streamlining workflows and elevating patient care standards. As the industry grapples with rising cardiovascular disease cases and a shortage of specialized personnel, Acuson Origin’s capabilities align perfectly with market demands, presenting an opportunity for Siemens Healthineers to solidify its position as a pioneering force in medical technology.
