AI-Automated Cardiac Ultrasound System Revolutionizes Approach to Cardiovascular Imaging

By MedImaging International staff writers
Posted on 12 Sep 2023

Image: The Acuson Origin is a dedicated cardiovascular ultrasound system with new, robust AI features (Photo courtesy of Siemens)

The global rise in the number of patients with cardiovascular diseases, like heart failure, is alarming. Projections indicate that heart failure rates could surge by 46% between 2012 and 2030. Additionally, structural heart treatments are anticipated to grow at a 9.15% yearly rate, thanks to new therapies and devices for issues like left atrial appendage closure and tricuspid regurgitation. With a growing demand for clinicians specializing in ultrasound technology, healthcare institutions are in urgent need of enhanced cardiovascular tools. Now, a premium cardiovascular ultrasound system has been designed to reduce the cognitive and ergonomic burdens on clinicians during cardiac exams and procedures, aiming to boost consistency, reproducibility, and efficiency.

Siemens Healthineers (Erlangen, Germany) has introduced the Acuson Origin, a specialized cardiovascular ultrasound system, comes loaded with innovative AI capabilities and aims to cover the full spectrum of cardiovascular patient care—diagnostics, structural heart issues, electrophysiology, and pediatric care. One standout feature is its AI suite, which aids in measurements, view recognition, and imaging assistance. Trained on a massive database of cardiac images, the system's AI functionalities can automate accurate and consistent measurements, offering more than 500 AI-driven metrics for different types of echocardiography, thereby streamlining cardiovascular procedures.

Furthermore, the Acuson Origin provides automatic shaping and measuring of all four cardiac chambers without requiring an ECG, thanks to its 2D and 4D HeartAI features. Using cutting-edge AI technology, 2D HeartAI can automatically track contrast images, setting the Acuson Origin apart as the only system in the market with this feature. 4D HeartAI offers dual-modality capabilities for 4D automatic shaping of all four chambers and both ventricles, even without an ECG. The system is also the industry's first to offer real-time recognition of cardiac views. AI Assist, another unique feature for transthoracic echocardiography, identifies cardiac structures the moment the probe contacts the chest wall. The Acuson Origin is not just advanced but also user-friendly, with an ergonomic design that minimizes repetitive motion and places the most-used controls within easy reach.

“Siemens Healthineers is committed to shaping the future of ultrasound imaging by empowering healthcare professionals with the latest cutting-edge tools,” said Ajay Gannerkote, president of Ultrasound, Siemens Healthineers. “The Acuson Origin is the latest example of that steadfast commitment, with its vast array of new AI features and its potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy, elevate patient care, and revolutionize the way we approach cardiovascular imaging.”

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