GE Healthcare, a leading global medical technology company, has signed a $44 million contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop next-generation ultrasound technology with artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The aim of this collaborative effort is to enable healthcare professionals to quickly diagnose and treat patients with lung pathologies and traumatic injuries.
Trauma is a significant cause of death in the United States, placing a considerable burden on healthcare systems. The survival of trauma patients depends on receiving timely and appropriate care, making injury detection and triage critical for successful treatment. Technologies that expedite care, such as advanced ultrasound with AI capabilities, have the potential to increase patients’ chances of survival.
The partnership between GE Healthcare and BARDA aims to transform the standard of care by developing technology that expedites trauma triage and treatment. GE Healthcare plans to build upon its existing portfolio of point-of-care ultrasound technology to create an advanced probe and ultrasound system integrated with novel AI technology. This will simplify the acquisition and interpretation of ultrasound exams for users of all skill levels, making the delivery of care more efficient. The proposed devices will cover indications for various injury types, including blunt and penetrating trauma, head trauma, lung injuries, and other lung pathologies.
Roland Rott, President and CEO of Ultrasound at GE Healthcare, highlighted the importance of point-of-care ultrasound in emergency situations for clinicians to obtain quick answers when treating patients. He expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to partner with BARDA in developing innovative solutions for identifying traumatic injuries and lung pathologies. The collaboration has the potential to enhance the ability of clinicians to provide timely care for trauma patients, even in the most dire scenarios.
Dietmar Seifriedsberger, Global General Manager of Point of Care and Handheld Ultrasound at GE Healthcare, emphasized the company’s position as a leader in bringing ultrasound to the emergency department. Working with BARDA represents another step towards realizing the enormous potential of ultrasound technology in helping hospitals increase preparedness for mass casualty events and improve treatment decision-making.
The technology and AI applications developed through this collaboration will be compatible with select point-of-care ultrasound systems from GE Healthcare’s product portfolio. This compatibility will facilitate rapid assessment of patients in various environments and care settings.
It is important to note that this project has received federal funding from the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically from BARDA. GE Healthcare has a long history of advancing medical technology and providing integrated solutions, services, and data analytics to make hospitals more efficient and improve patient care.
In conclusion, the collaboration between GE Healthcare and BARDA to develop next-generation ultrasound technology with AI applications represents a significant step towards improving trauma triage and treatment. The integration of advanced ultrasound technology and AI capabilities has the potential to enhance the delivery of timely and appropriate care, ultimately increasing patients’ chances of survival.
