GE HealthCare Unveils AI-Powered Ultrasound for Breast Cancer Screening

The ABUS Premium system automates the imaging process, improving accuracy and potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies. Graysen Vigneux, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, highlighted the importance of this advancement:

GE HealthCare has introduced the Invenia Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) Premium, an AI-powered ultrasound system designed to improve breast cancer detection, particularly in dense breast tissue.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the US, accounting for one in three of all new female cancer cases annually. Over 70% of breast cancers occur in dense breasts, which are more common in Asian women.

Standard mammography often fails to detect tumors in dense breast tissue, with one-third of cancers in such cases going undetected, according to GE HealthCare.

The ABUS Premium system automates the imaging process, improving accuracy and potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies. Graysen Vigneux, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, highlighted the importance of this advancement:

Sharing thoughts, Graysen Vigneux, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, said, “For patients with dense breast tissue, where mammography alone may be insufficient, [GE HealthCare’s technology] provides a critical additional layer of detection, improving diagnostic accuracy and potentially saving lives.”

According to him, AI integration in ABUS Premium enhances imaging by differentiating malignant tumors more effectively, allowing for earlier intervention and improved treatment options.

“Early detection remains the cornerstone of improving breast cancer outcomes, and for women with dense breast tissue, automated whole-breast ultrasound offers a promising advancement. This technology enhances the ability to identify tumours that might otherwise be missed, leading to earlier intervention and better treatment options,” Vigneux added.

However, Vigneux also pointed out the limitations of automated whole-breast ultrasound, noting that it may use lower-frequency transducers than handheld devices, potentially leading to lower spatial and contrast resolution.

GE HealthCare, which shares the largest market share in global ultrasound technology with Siemens Healthineers, is expanding its AI-driven diagnostics portfolio. The ultrasound market is expected to reach nearly $12 billion by 2034, driven by growing demand for minimally invasive diagnostics.

Earlier this month, GE HealthCare announced a partnership with NVIDIA to develop AI-enabled X-ray and ultrasound technology, signaling its continued focus on autonomous diagnostics.

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