AI Ultrasound Firm Acquired by GE HealthCare

GE HealthCare has expanded its AI-enabled image capabilities with its acquisition of Caption Health, an AI tech platform that leverages heart ultrasounds for early disease detection.

Caption Health uses AI-powered image guidance to assist in ultrasound examinations to benefit ultrasound device portfolios. Its FDA-cleared applications allow faster and easier ultrasound scans so more health care professionals can carry out basic echocardiogram exams.

Caption Health’s applications will be integrated into GE HealthCare’s digital ecosystem, specifically in the Point of Care and Handheld business portfolio, said Karley Yoder, Chief Digital Officer, Ultrasound at GE HealthCare, who’s leading the ultrasound adoption.

“Guiding ultrasound users during examinations with the help of AI is of growing importance, especially as we reach a broader set of healthcare professionals,” said GE HealthCare ultrasound president and CEO Roland Rott. “Caption Health’s AI applications help enable reliable, consistent ultrasound examinations to deliver more precise diagnoses, improved treatment decision-making and ultimately improved patient outcomes.”

To identify heart failure, heart ultrasound examinations are used as the main diagnostic tool. In the U.S., the most common diagnosis for patients over the age of 65 who are hospitalized is heart failure.

A study found 38% of new heart failure patients are diagnosed in acute care facilities. However, nearly half of those patients exhibited symptoms months before the diagnosis. Early intervention can slow down heart disease.

The detection of heart failure doesn’t have to be confined to a doctor’s office but can also take place at home and other care facilities. By making ultrasound scans more widely available, hospitalizations can be prevented, which can lead to better patient outcomes.

“Combining our AI applications with GE HealthCare’s ultrasound devices will help accelerate our mission to detect disease earlier, when an easily obtained diagnostic image can be a great equalizer to health quality and outcomes. This will ultimately help us reduce costs and enhance care,” said Caption Health CEO Steve Cashman.

In the future, Caption Health will also unveil ultrasounds for pulmonary applications.