Clear the AIR

GE Healthcare’s AIRx™‡ technology was cleared by the FDA in January 2019. This AI-based, automated workflow tool for brain scanning is designed to increase consistency and productivity by providing automated slice prescriptions to help reduce previously redundant, manual steps. AIRx™ is intended to produce images that have less variability between technologists and between scans to help lower the chances for retakes due to incorrect slice placement.

How does it work? AIRx™ features a pre-trained neural network model that leverages deep learning algorithms and anatomy recognition to define the correct anatomical landmarks and automate the scanning process for routine to challenging setups. The algorithm automatically aligns the scan prescription to anatomical references that are based on a database of over 36,000 images sourced from clinical studies and reference sites. AIRx™ is built on Edison, GE Healthcare’s new artificial intelligence platform.

And speaking of air, GE Healthcare’s AIR Technology™ RF coils received FDA clearance for 3.0T and 1.5T systems in November 2018.‡ The current suite consists of a 30-channel Anterior Array (AA), a 21-channel large Multi-Purpose (MP) Coil and a 20-channel medium Multi-Purpose (MP) Coil. This industry-first suite of RF coils enables freedom in coil positioning and handling during a scan. For example, the AIR Technology™ AA is 60 percent lighter than a conventional, hard-shell AA.