Deep-learning Image Reconstruction Cleared for Use on 7T MRI
AIR Recon DL from GE Healthcare has received US FDA 510(k) clearance for use on the SIGNA 7.0T MRI system. The technology, pending CE Mark for 7T, was previously cleared for use on 1.5T and 3T MRI systems. AIR Recon DL is a deep learning image reconstruction technology that uses all the raw data coming off the MRI scanner, maximizing image quality and resolution even with shorter scan times. According to the company, feedback from clinical users has been overwhelmingly positive, including observations of sharper and less noisy images as well as a 30-50% reduction in exam times.
“The images truly are amazing,” explains Garry Gold, MD, Professor of Radiology at Stanford and clinical reviewer of GE Healthcare’s FDA application. “AIR Recon DL for SIGNA 7.0T takes everything we love about the ultra-high-field 7.0T’s strength– namely its ability to visualize high-resolution tissue structures – and brings it to the next level by reducing noise and edge ringing. As a result, AIR Recon DL with 7.0T helps reveal a more complete picture – providing greater clinical insight for improved patient outcomes and opening up new opportunities for research across various care areas.”
SIGNA 7.0T can be used for both research and clinical purposes to image anatomy, function, metabolism and microvasculature in the brain and joints with incredible resolution and detail, for a broad range of applications across neurologic and musculoskeletal diseases. The completely new system features UltraG gradient technology, GE’s state-of-the-art, whole-body gradient coil with 113 mT/m and 260 T/m/s, to meet the demands of ultra-high field imaging speed, contrast, resolution, advanced diffusion, and functional brain imaging.
AIR Recon DL on SIGNA 7.0T joins a host of other state-of-the art applications in GE’s latest SIGNAWorks software platform, enabling more clinical translation of research and development between GE Healthcare MRI systems – from the ultra-high-field 7.0T to the more commonly available 1.5T and 3.0T scanners in clinical settings.
“We are thrilled to make our industry-leading AIR Recon DL technology available on SIGNA 7.0T, our most powerful scanner,” says Jie Xue, President and CEO, MR, GE Healthcare. “SIGNA 7.0T is a powerful tool in research for the visualization of smaller structures and subtle pathologies across various, evolving areas of study, including: neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, psychological disorders like depression, and articular cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. AIR Recon DL – which has received overwhelmingly positive user feedback and fast, broad adoption – further extends the capabilities of GE Healthcare’s completely new SIGNA 7.0T system, empowering our research and clinical partners to pursue new frontiers in neuroscience and musculoskeletal imaging.”
AIR Recon DL, developed on GE Healthcare’s Edison intelligence platform, is available as an upgrade or with new system purchases. It is currently available on GE Healthcare 1.5T, 3.0T, and 7.0T MR systems.