Revolution in ultrasound: GE HealthCare snags AI pioneer for $51m

GE HealthCare, listed on Nasdaq as GEHC, announced its acquisition of the clinical artificial intelligence (AI) software business from Intelligent Ultrasound Group PLC for approximately $51 million. This strategic move aims to enhance GE HealthCare’s ultrasound portfolio by integrating Intelligent Ultrasound’s leading AI-driven image analysis tools, which are designed to streamline ultrasound operations and improve user efficiency.

Phil Rackliffe, the President and CEO of Ultrasound and Image Guided Therapies at GE HealthCare, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We are pleased to bring innovative technology from Intelligent Ultrasound into GE HealthCare’s Ultrasound portfolio, allowing us to fully integrate these solutions into our systems to help clinicians improve workflow, reduce repetitive tasks, and simplify exams.” He emphasized that the acquisition will accelerate the development of next-generation AI tools within the company.

Intelligent Ultrasound has been at the forefront of AI in medical imaging with its pioneering ScanNav Assist AI technology. This technology powers SonoLystlive and SonoLyst X/IR on GE HealthCare’s Voluson™ Expert and Voluson Signature ultrasound devices, also featured on the Voluson SWIFT. The acquisition not only enhances GE HealthCare’s product offerings but also includes an AI innovation pipeline crucial for future developments and long-term operational efficiencies.

This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by GE HealthCare, following its 2023 purchase of Caption Health, which expanded its capabilities in AI-enabled image guidance. These additions are pivotal in advancing early disease detection and addressing the increasing complexity of medical exams.

Nick Sleep, COO of Intelligent Ultrasound, who will join GE HealthCare, remarked on the impact of AI in medical imaging: “I really believe that we are at the start of a wave of AI making a profound difference to medical imaging, and especially ultrasound.” He highlighted that joining GE HealthCare would expedite the technology’s adoption, simplifying its use for customers.

The acquisition is timely as the demand on sonographers grows, with a significant number reporting work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The integration of AI can alleviate some of these burdens by reducing manual tasks and enhancing reproducibility among users, allowing them to focus more on patient care.

This deal is set to close in Q4 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. GE HealthCare plans to finance this acquisition using cash on hand.