AI is Transforming Medical Imaging: FDA Approvals and Innovations Soar

AI Revolutionizes Medical Imaging: Highlights from RSNA 2023

If it’s the week after Thanksgiving, then the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) is lighting up McCormick Place in Chicago. This year is no exception, as tens of thousands of imaging, IT, and informatics professionals from over 120 countries have gathered from December 1-5 to explore cutting-edge hardware, software, and clinical innovations. The event is a global hub for the latest advancements in medical imaging, and this year, artificial intelligence (AI) is taking center stage.

AI is transforming healthcare across the board, and the imaging profession is no exception. A new study by KLAS Research sheds light on just how rapidly AI is reshaping the field. The report, titled Imaging AI 2024, reveals a dramatic surge in the number of FDA-approved AI tools for imaging, which has skyrocketed to over 300 in recent years. This explosion of innovation shows no signs of slowing down, as regulatory landscapes evolve and healthcare organizations increasingly embrace AI-driven solutions.

AI Adoption in Imaging: A Rapid Rise

According to the KLAS report, “Just over 50% of surveyed organizations are starting to use AI algorithms for at least one imaging use case.” This marks a significant leap from 2018, when only 17% of organizations were piloting or actively using AI solutions. The study surveyed more than 200 organizations, including imaging groups and U.S. health systems, to understand which tools are gaining traction in what KLAS describes as a “crowded market.”

The findings underscore the growing confidence in AI’s ability to enhance imaging workflows, improve diagnostic accuracy, and optimize operational efficiency. For those interested in diving deeper into the report, it’s available here.

Innovations Unveiled at RSNA 2023

As the RSNA conference unfolds, several companies are showcasing groundbreaking advancements in imaging technology. Here’s a glimpse of some of the most exciting announcements:

• Aidoc’s CARE1 Foundation Model for CT Imaging: Aidoc has unveiled its Clinical AI Reasoning Engine, Version 1 (CARE1), a foundational model for CT imaging. Trained on millions of exams, CARE1 is part of Aidoc’s multi-year investment in its CARE framework. The goal? To advance precision and speed in clinical AI, minimize diagnostic delays, optimize workflows, and improve patient outcomes.
• GE HealthCare’s Pristina Via Mammography System: GE HealthCare is introducing the Pristina Via mammography system, designed to enhance the screening experience for both patients and technologists. This system offers a suite of advanced tools aimed at balancing diagnostic accuracy with the fast-paced demands of modern workflows. GE highlights its potential to streamline efficiencies, especially amid a global shortage of imaging technologists.
• Siemens Healthineers’ Partnership with Ohio State University: Siemens Healthineers has expanded its partnership with Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center through a 10-year, $105 million agreement. This collaboration will establish a new center for imaging excellence, where Siemens scientists will work alongside clinical and research teams to develop innovative imaging applications for various diseases. Siemens and its subsidiary, Varian, have been providing imaging equipment to Ohio State for over 15 years, including MRI, CT, molecular imaging, and more.

The Bigger Picture: AI’s Role in Imaging

The rapid adoption of AI in imaging is not just about technology; it’s about transforming patient care. By automating routine tasks, enhancing diagnostic precision, and streamlining workflows, AI is helping healthcare providers address some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, such as staff shortages and increasing patient volumes.

As the number of FDA-approved AI tools continues to grow, so does the potential for innovation. From detecting early signs of disease to personalizing treatment plans, AI is poised to revolutionize how imaging professionals approach their work. The RSNA conference serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible strides being made in this field and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

For those attending RSNA 2023, the event offers a unique opportunity to witness these advancements firsthand and engage with the pioneers driving this transformation. For everyone else, the developments showcased in Chicago this week are a glimpse into the future of medical imaging—a future where AI plays a central role in improving healthcare outcomes worldwide.