GE Healthcare Launches New Edison-Powered AI Applications to Enhance Clinical Decision-Making and Patient Outcomes

VCBeat (WeChat Official Account: vcbeat) learned from foreign media reports that on November 26, 2018, local time in the United States, GE Healthcare was showcasing its intelligent application products based on the new-generation “Edison” smart platform at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago. These new applications are designed to help hospitals and health systems deliver faster and more precise medical services to patients.

GE Healthcare claims that the “Edison” platform is a way to help hospitals derive greater value from their technology. Various clinical applications on the “Edison” platform, developed by Edison’s industry-leading partners based on the platform, can be deployed on medical devices and in the cloud.

“‘Edison’ provides clinicians with an integrated digital platform that combines various datasets from vendors, healthcare networks, and more across modalities,” said Kieran Murphy, CEO of GE Healthcare, in a statement. “Applications on ‘Edison’ incorporate the latest data processing technologies, enabling clinicians to make faster and more informed decisions, thereby improving patient outcomes.”

“Edison” applications launched this week include: AIRx (pending FDA clearance for market release), a tool that supports automated workflows for brain MRI scans, with AI providing automated slice prescription to help reduce previously redundant manual steps; the Emergency Care Suite (also pending FDA clearance), designed to help physicians identify cases with critical pneumothorax conditions to prioritize image review; CT Smart Subscription, which provides continuous access to the most up-to-date CT software and extends equipment lifecycle; and an automatic segmentation system for medical image lesions, which improves healthcare service efficiency through automation and helps eliminate the need for users to manually measure lesions.

AIRx, image source: GE Healthcare official website

According to third-party data projections, the size of the medical artificial intelligence market will reach $6.6 billion by 2021, with 39% of healthcare institutions investing in artificial intelligence, deep learning, and predictive analytics technologies.

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic at RSNA. Other recently announced technology highlights include Nuance’s PowerScribe One reporting platform and the McCormick Place venue, which features an extensive lineup of AI-focused educational sessions.

GE Healthcare points out that 90% of healthcare data comes from imaging, but only 3% of the data is analyzed or put into use. Through the “Edison” platform, the company aims to help improve the statistical methods of these data. “This is not some flashy gadget or bold, crazy, and unlikely-to-be-realized artificial intelligence,” said Keith Bigelow, Senior Vice President of Strategic Investments for GE Healthcare Edison, in a statement. “The ‘Edison’ platform features pioneering yet practical technology capable of enhancing today’s work equipment and processes, targeting the biggest pain points within the system.”

“Complex data holds many hidden meanings, but extracting its value requires diverse and sophisticated analytical skills,” added Dr. Rachael Callcut, Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, who serves as Director of Data Science at the Center for Digital Health Innovation and helped GE Healthcare develop the emergency care suite for this platform. “Artificial intelligence gives us the opportunity to identify overlooked patterns and transform how we treat patients, ultimately improving clinical outcomes.”