PHOTO GALLERY: New technology at RSNA 2023

Example of Vuno Med Deep Brain artificial intelligence algorithm to automate segmentation of the brain anatomy and gather more than 100 volume measurements. Tedious work like this is increasingly being assigned to AI. The accurate measurements for complex 3D shapes also can be used for more definitive diagnosis and tracking of disease or treatments over time.

A work-in-progress, point-of-care brain microwave imaging system shown by Emu EMvision at RSNA 2023. Similar to ultrasound, but uses radio-frequency waves and creates an image based on the RF signal that bounces back. It has a liquid filled rubber bladder than expands to touch the patient's head to increase the signal to noise and improve the image quality. The device is aimed at emergency departments without access to MRI or CT for stroke assessments.

Lunit's mammography AI automated lesion detection with a certainty score shown on Sectra PACS platform. Lunit is one of several AI vendors at RSNA that moved from one of the early start ups to becoming one of the larger radiology AI vendors. Often it is the OEM vendor that supplies its technology so it can be integrated into imaging systems or PACS offered by major vendors in the market. 

Live liver ultrasound exam imaging using the Siemens Sequoia. Most of the major vendors with ultrasound had live scanning on the expo floor. In addition, RSNA hosted several hands-on ultrasound imaging courses.

Pancreas CT image segmentation and assessment on the Fujifilm Synapse PACS. AI is increasingly being used in these systems to perform otherwise time-consuming tasks such as auto segmentation of anatomy and auto quantification.

The fleet of CT scanners on display in the United Imaging booth at RSNA 2023. The Chinese company has been attempting to break into the U.S. radiology market with a range of economy to premium systems at a lower price point. The vendor had one of the larger booths this year to show it is serious. Sections of the booth includes MRI, X-ray, MRI and artificial intelligence systems for imaging.

Automated lung CT AI nodule detection and assessment, showing serial exams for a patient undergoing therapy and the CT measurements used to see if the tumor is growing or shrinking. Example from Vuno Med LungCT AI. 

AI automated orthopedic measurements from an image taken on the EOS load bearing X-ray system. The imager can pick the points where spine measurements can be taken. The goal of the AI is to save staff time and speed exams and imaging reads.

AI automated orthopedic measurements from an image taken on the EOS load bearing X-ray system. The imager can pick the points where spine measurements can be taken.

Trailer mounted iCRco Claris XT CT system and workstation on display for military, disaster and mobile CT service applications.The system can also be run off of solar power.

A handshake during a meeting inside a trailer-mounted CT designed for disasters or military use. It was shown by iCRco.

A 100-year-old Müller Media X-ray tube displayed by Dunlee. The tube was patented in Germany in 1918 and commercialized in 1922. This tube enabled loads in excess of 10 kW for the first time. In practical operation, tube voltages of up to 80kV were used with tube currents of up to 100 mA.

Imaging AI in Practice theater presenter discussing AI for lung at RSNA 2023. This was one of two theaters in the AI showcase area.

AI detected pneumothorax shown by Annalise.ai. This vendor has more than 100 algorithms commercialized outside the U.S. and is working to get many of these cleared through the FDA, including several approvals in the past 18 months. 

A crowd of RSNA attendees capturing video of Canon's unveiling of two new AI-enabled CT systems. The vendor said the Aquilion CT platform was completely reworked using more modern technology and the latest artificial intelligence to help speed workflows and improve image quality at lower doses. 

A demo of the new Siemens Somatom Pro Pulse dual-energy, low-cost CT system unveiled at RSNA 2023. It brings spectral CT capability to centers at the same cost of conventional workhorse CT systems. It is air-cooled, helping lower the cost of ownership. The system also is being marketed for the rising popularity of cardiac CT scanners. 

Artificial intelligence sign in the United Imaging booth. The Chinese company wants to break into the U.S. market and had a massive booth footprint at RSNA 2023. This included a section for its own AI development division.

The RSNA members area in the Lakeside Center.

Neonate MRI system shown by Eyas Medical Imaging at RSNA 2023. The system does not have regulatory clearance anywhere and was being shown as a work-in-progress. It was one of several new neonate MRI systems show this year at RSNA.

Neoscan neonate MRI system displayed for the first time at RSNA, which is being submitted for FDA clearance. It was one of several new neonate MRI systems shown this year at RSNA.

Siemens introduced the first AI iso-centering camera mounted on the ceiling above the scanner at RSNA several years ago. This year, similar AI iso-centering systems were shown as new features by all the major CT vendors on the expo floor. New to Siemens is this built into the gantry AI iso-centering camera so a separate overhead installation is not needed. This is new on the just unveiled Somatom Pro Pulse CT system.

Display at Siemens showing the evolution from PET photo-multiplier tube detectors to much more compact and efficient digital detector technology between the 1990s to the latest system displayed at RSNA 2023. The small electronic board on the right is Siemen's current SiPM technology.

Theranostics for prostate cancer, showing regression of tumor at Siemens' booth at RSNA 2023. Theranostics uses radiotracers with radio-labeled ligands that only attach to specific types of cancer cells. This allows the nuclear imaging agents to be used for both imaging the disease, while at the same time treating the disease. This is a new technology area in cancer care that numerous vendors spoke about on the expo floor and appears to be a growing trend.

Radiology analytics for technologist retakes by type and by tech to help better manage the department using empirical data. Example from Konica Minolta's AeroRemote Insights.

AI review of studies and spotting a suspected critical finding automatically bringing STAT reads to the top of the radiology worklist. Example from Merge enterprise imaging system.

New-look 3D Doppler blood flow on the Philips Epiq ultrasound system. The 3D look is supposed to help imagers better interpret the flow.

The first Philips BlueSeal MRI system installed in a semi-truck for mobile imaging service shown at RSNA. The system uses a small fraction of the liquid helium required by conventional MRI systems, saving costs and weight.

Cloud storage and cloud workflow for imaging demonstrated by Philips at RSNA 2023. Cloud is seeing a lot more traction post-pandemic since many health systems had to quickly adopt cloud in order to allow remote working. Its value is now being seen by many providers that are adopting it in various ways, usually with a mix of cloud and on premise storage. This was a trend seen across the RSNA expo floor.

All the major MRI vendors now offer flexible, lightweight MRI coils. This is an example of a cardiac/thoracic coil shown by Philips at RSNA 2023.

Decarbonizing healthcare and radiology was discussed in RSNA 2023 sessions and by vendors looking to make their product lines more environmentally sustainable. This is a display at the entrance into the Philips Healthcare booth. The vendor announced a new partnership with Vanderbilt to find ways to reduce carbon emissions in radiology. Read more in the article How radiology departments can decarbonize, save money.

Philips launched the CT collaborative remote access technology for technologists and radiologists to remote into CT system control rooms to help troubleshoot, even if they are not at the same imaging center.

Spectral CT showing stomach cancer using iodine density and Z effective image mapping in Philips booth. Spectral imaging is becoming more common as a way to offer additional clinical information when trying to diagnose subtle differences on CT. 

3D printed PEEK cranial implant created from a patient's CT scan so it could be custom sized and printed for that specific patient. This was shown in a dedicated medical imaging 3D printing area on the expo floor.

The entryway into the large RSNA AI showcase area of the expo floor. By default, RSNA is the largest conference for the clinical implementation of artificial intelligence in healthcare. AI made up by far the largest exhibitor product category at RSNA, with 242 vendors showcasing at least one such product. Medical imaging accounts for about 90% of the 740 clinical algorithms cleared so far by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

Brain MRI automated AI assessment measurements on Fujifilm's Synapse system. AI for neuro assessments and breast imaging were among the largest use cases seen for FDA cleared AI across the RSNA expo floor. 

Brain MRI automated AI assessment and segmentation on Fujifilm's Synapse system. AI for neuro assessments and breast imaging were among the largest use cases seen for FDA cleared AI across the RSNA expo floor. 

Nuance booth with messaging on how AI can improve workflow and radiologist efficiency. Nuance demonstrated a new AI implementation that can help automate more of the radiology report with less work by the radiologist. Solutions like this were highlighted across the expo floor because of the growing shortage of radiologists.

Blackford demonstration of an artificial intelligence lung nodule detection algorithm. The vendor offers an AI orchestrator system that allows hospitals to pick or try numerous AI applications off of one menu to simplify adoption and integration of AI.

RSNA Innovation Theater presentation in the South hall at RSNA 2023.

AI intelligent workflow orchestration using the SubtleALLY naming genie, which consolidates 95 MRI series descriptions into just 14. This type of AI can help standardize taxonomy used in reports and image exam labeling. Technology demonstrated by Subtle Medical.

The radiologist staffing shortage doubled the number of health system recruiters on the RSNA 2023 expo floor. This crowd in the recruiting area is on the last day of the conference when this area is historically devoid of attendees. The radiologist shortage was the No. 1 concern vendors are seeing from customers and was prominently mentioned or discussed in sessions. Read more.

Radiology PACS and other workstations for various components of the Sectra enterprise imaging system. Sectra is rated No. 1 by KLAS for its system and its booth was packed until the close of the show floor.  

The GE Starguide SPECT-CT system uses arms containing the SPECT detectors that extend to the patient to enable clearer imaging.

The Agfa booth the last day of the expo with its PACS and enterprise imaging workstations packed with demonstrations.

Breast tomosythesis (3D mammography) mobile clinical install of a GE Senograph Pristina system in a truck on display at RSNA 2023. Tomosynthesis use is growing rapidly and now makes up more than 40% of the breast imaging systems installed in the U.S.

3D printed model of severe trauma causing both femurs to shatter. Created from the patient's CT scan to aid with reconstructive orthopedic surgery. Displayed by Materialise at RSNA 2023.

Example of a digital pathology breast specimen slides in the Sectra enterprise imaging system. Radiology and PACS administrators are often tasked with helping implement a digital pathology program because of its similarity to digital radiology. Often these systems are incorporated into wider enterprise imaging systems.

Fetal imaging at 4 weeks using advanced 3D imaging and movable light source technology on GE  Voluson Expert 22 ultrasound.

 A 3D printed congenital single ventricle heart patient from CT displayed by Medviso. Models like this can help in surgical pre-planning and peri-procedural guidance in very complex anatomy.

A syringeless CT contrast injector displayed by GE Healthcare. This technology uses a larger iodine contrast bolus and a series of rollers compress a circular section of tubing to inject the patient during imaging. This can help simplify workflow and reduce contrast waste. GE was also showing a similar MRI safe system that is pending FDA clearnace.

Sign on the wall of Philips Healthcare's meeting rooms.

Closeup showing the image quality of a knee MRI from the Canon Galan 3T system.

Mammography showing 2D and tomosynthesis 3D with cancer spotted by the integrated iCAD AI on a GE Pristina Bright system. GE announced a new integration partnership with iCAD at RSNSA 2023. Read more.

One of the big tech trends in CT across the expo floor was every major CT vendor showing versions of automated AI systems to isocenter patient on the bed without the need for the technologist to do anything. The AI detects the position of the patient and will move the table from side to side to ensure better imaging in the middle of the FOV in the scanner. Example shows the overhead camera view on United Imaging uCT Atlas scanner on the control room workstation.

With growing staff shortages in radiology, numerous vendors showed solutions to allow remote access to technologists and radiologists to assist remotely with CT or MRI scans. This black box from ROclub's teleoperation platform plugs into the scanner connection to the control room to enable remote access on any vendor's system.

Chinese vendor XGY showed a unique rotating MRI to allow load bearing imaging studies.

Photon-counting CT detector technology is seen by many experts as the way of the future for computed tomography systems. There was a large number of sessions devoted to various subspeciality applications for this technology and its much higher imaging resolution and built in spectral CT capability. This is the Naeotom Alpha photon counting CT in the Siemens booth, the first commercially available system. The other major vendors are also working on their own versions of this technology.

The Revolution CT scanner displayed by GE Healthcare. This workhorse system is among those being aimed at the rapidly growing cardiac CT market. GE is also seeing adoption of this scanner in the outpatient imaging market.

Example of remote access technology where a more experience sonographer from another location can remote in to see the settings and images to help trouble shoot a problem, or a physician can do remote consultations.

A very short STAT reading list view generated by the Agfa AI orchestrated workflow radiology work list. The AI can present different shortened list views that are tailored to a specific radiologist's subspeciality certifications, while also load balancing a mix of exams between various readers to prevent cherry picking. 

AI automated registration of a 3D CT reustrated image from a CT scan projected onto the patient's skin for easier surgical planning and marking of the patient in the OR. This was shown as a work-in-progress by United Imaging at RSNA 2023.

Example of the image quality for digital detector, time-of-flight PET-CT imaging of an adrenal mass in an obese cancer patient using the Siemens Biograph Vision X system.

Serial imaging of a theranostic for prostate cancer, showing regression of cancers. Theranostics uses radiotracers with radio-labeled ligands that only attach to specific types of cancer cells. This allows the nuclear imaging agents to be used for both imaging and treating the disease at the same time. This is a new technology area in cancer care that numerous vendors spoke about on the expo floor and appears to be a growing trend.