GE HealthCare has come out with the first 510(k)-cleared remote patient scanning solution through a new upgrade of its Digital Expert Access software.

Originally designed to allow radiology teams in the same or multiple different hospitals to virtually share best practices, expertise, advice, and real-time, remote console control, the latest version of Digital Expert Access allows clinicians to remotely scan patients on 15 specific GE HealthCare MR systems from locations inside or outside the radiology suite or clinical facility.

According to Rekha Ranganathan, senior executive and general manager of imaging platforms and digital solutions at GE HealthCare, Digital Expert Access with remote scanning is designed with the growing number of imaging procedure demands in mind, as well as to reduce the impact of cost pressures, staffing shortages, and resource scarcity.
"With Digital Expert Access, the remote user is able to access the MR console UI as if they were sitting in front of the MR console, regardless of what type of MR imaging is being performed," she told HCB News.

The new version is compatible with the company's SIGNA systems, including Artist, Voyager, Creator, Explorer, Pioneer, Hero, Architect, Architect T, Premier, and 1.5T SIGNA HDxt; its Optima MR450w 1.5T and 360 scanners; its Discovery MR750 and MR750w GEM platforms; and Brivo 355 MR system.

GE HealthCare is also looking to expand its remote scanning capabilities to include multiple imaging modalities designed by different manufacturers, and aims to do so through a new distribution agreement with IONIC Health, a Brazilian manufacturer of multivendor remote access technology for medical imaging devices.

The company is currently in the process of obtaining 510(k)-clearance for its vendor-agnostic nCommand Lite technology, which provides real-time guidance to licensed technologists operating different modalities, including MR, CT, and PET/CT.

“This exclusive distribution agreement will enable greater and accelerated future access to remote operations and scanning capabilities to healthcare systems, clinicians, and patients,” said José Leovigildo Coelho, CEO and co-founder of IONIC Health. “The current healthcare landscape, which includes dire radiologist shortages, highlights the immense immediate and long-term need for remote operations.”

nCommand Lite is 510(k)-pending and not available for sale in the U.S. Its availability in other markets is subject to local regulatory approvals.

IONIC Health did not respond to HCB News in time for publication.

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