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GE Healthcare has signed an agreement to acquire Intelligent Ultrasound’s clinical artificial intelligence software business for $51 million. Intelligent Ultrasound specializes in integrated AI-driven image analysis tools aimed at streamlining ultrasound exams.
GE HealthCare plans to incorporate these solutions across its ultrasound portfolio, which it expects will improve workflow and enhance ease of use for clinicians and patients.
Phil Rackliff, president and CEO of GE Healthcare's ultrasound and image-guided therapy division, said the acquisition will allow GE to integrate the solution into its systems and “help clinicians improve workflow, reduce repetitive tasks and streamline exams.”
The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year. GE said it would fund the transaction with cash on hand.
What are the impacts?
Intelligent Ultrasound boasts ScanNav Assist AI technology that powers SonoLystlive and SonoLyst X/IR, available on GE HealthCare's Voluson Expert and Voluson Signature ultrasound machines. SonoLyst is now also available on Voluson SWIFT.
By acquiring the business, GE Healthcare is also adding to its AI innovation pipeline that it hopes will help drive future development and realize long-term efficiencies.
GE Healthcare will welcome Intelligent Ultrasound's team of research and development experts who will drive AI-enabled imaging and innovation across GE Healthcare's women's health ultrasound devices as well as its broader portfolio.
The deal follows GE Healthcare's acquisition of Caption Health in 2023, which will add new capabilities such as AI-powered image guidance and AI development expertise to help with earlier disease detection in other areas.
GE cited surveys showing that 81% of hospitals report a shortage of radiologists as exams become more complex, and 90% of ultrasound technicians report work-related musculoskeletal disorders due to workload, repetitive motions, and more.
Larger trends
GE Healthcare said the deal will strengthen its portfolio of AI-enabled devices and support its precision care strategy, which aims to solve inefficiencies in clinical care workflows and improve the quality of patient care across the care pathway.
With the sale of its clinical AI business, Intelligent Ultrasound will continue to focus on ultrasound simulation technology.
GE Healthcare in February partnered with OSF Healthcare, an integrated health system in Illinois and Michigan, and Pointcore, a practice management and non-clinical shared services company, to increase efficiencies and standardize care delivery models to improve patient outcomes across OSF Healthcare.
Jeff Lagace He is the editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.
