GE HealthCare and Medtronic Expand Alliance with Intraoperative Imaging Integration

GE HealthCare has introduced a digital integration between the bkActiv intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) system and Medtronic’s Stealth AXiS surgical navigation system. The integration is now commercially available to provide real-time advanced imaging during cranial procedures and to complement surgical planning and navigation workflows. It extends the companies’ existing strategic alliance focused on accelerating next-generation technology innovation across the enterprise.

With the integration, neurosurgeons can incorporate bkActiv as a plug-and-play real-time visualization solution during procedures on the Stealth AXiS system without disrupting established workflows. Live iUS images are supplied to the navigation platform and can be viewed alongside preoperative MRI or computed tomography images to help assess anatomy changes such as brain shift.

Image: The bkActiv provides real-time imaging for precision guidance across multiple surgical specialties (photo courtesy of GE HealthCare)

bkActiv supports neurosurgical visualization through an image-mirror function on the scanner’s glass user interface, sensitive color Doppler, and specialized algorithms that promote uniform image resolution and detail. Fully immersible transducers enable easy sterilization, with single-use needle guides available. A Transducer Smart Button allows one-press freeze, store, and print functions, and a sterilizable remote control lets the surgeon operate the scanner from the sterile field.

The Stealth AXiS surgical navigation system was recently cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for cranial procedures in the United States. The platform brings planning, navigation, and robotics together into a single integrated solution intended to deliver real-time insight in the operating room. The combined workflow is designed to support surgical precision and clinical confidence.

The companies plan to debut the integration at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting, May 1-4, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. By delivering live iUS images into the navigation environment, the workflow is intended to aid assessment of intraoperative anatomy, including brain shift. The approach aims to complement existing planning and navigation steps without procedural disruption.

“Real-time visualization is critical for cranial surgical teams to assess anatomy, navigate changes, and make critical decisions in the surgical suite,” said Heidi Seerden, General Manager, Surgical Innovations, GE HealthCare. “We are proud to build on our long-time collaboration with Medtronic to bring together bkActiv with the Stealth AXiS surgical navigation system in a way that supports our shared goals of supporting surgical precision and clinician confidence.”