GE HealthCare nabs AI ultrasound company for $51 million
Intelligent Ultrasound specializes in integrated AI-driven image analysis tools designed to make ultrasound more efficient.
Photo: Franco Vogt/Getty Images
GE HealthCare has entered into an agreement to acquire Intelligent Ultrasound's clinical artificial intelligence 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 the ultrasound portfolio, and expects they'll improve workflows and enhance ease-of-use for 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 fund the transaction with cash on hand.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
Intelligent Ultrasound boasts the 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 the Voluson SWIFT.
By acquiring the business, GE HealthCare also adds an AI innovation pipeline it hopes will help advance future development and realize long-term efficiencies.
GE HealthCare plans to welcome the team of research and development experts from Intelligent Ultrasound, 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 agreement follows GE HealthCare's acquisition of Caption Health in 2023, which added new capabilities in AI-enabled image guidance and AI development expertise to aid in early disease detection in other areas.
GE cited research showing that as exams become more complex, 81% of hospitals report radiology technologist shortages and 90% of sonographers report work-related musculoskeletal disorders due to workload and repetitive motions, among other factors.
THE LARGER TREND
The agreement bolsters GE HealthCare's portfolio of AI-enabled devices, the company said, and supports the precision-care strategy meant to solve for inefficiencies in the clinical care workflow and improve patient care quality across the care pathway.
With the sale of its clinical AI business, Intelligent Ultrasound will continue to operate with a focus in its ultrasound simulation technology.
In February GE Healthcare entered into a collaboration with OSF HealthCare, an integrated health system in Illinois and Michigan, and Pointcore, a healthcare management and nonclinical shared services company. In addition to increasing efficiency, the aim 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 HIMSS Media publication.
