Siemens Healthineers uses artificial intelligence to take X-ray diagnostics to a new level

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Siemens Healthineers introduces Ysio X.pree1, the world’s first intelligent X-ray system with integrated AI for optimizing the daily routine of image acquisition in radiography. To assist radiologists with the subsequent image assessment, Siemens Healthineers also offers its new CE-labeled AI-Rad Companion Chest X-ray, an AI-supported software that aids clinical decision making on upright thorax images. “X-rays are still the most commonly used form2 of diagnostic imaging. By introducing AI technologies and other innovations into this area, we’re taking traditional radiography to a new level,” says Carsten Bertram, Head of X-ray Products at Siemens Healthineers.

Ysio X.pree
The Red Dot Design Award winning Ysio X.pree helps prepare for X-ray image acquisition using AI. Based on the images from a 3D camera, the AI-based algorithm automatically detects the thorax and thus sets the optimal acquisition area for this – the so-called collimation. The radiation is focused only on the relevant area, and the goal is to acquire an image containing all the necessary information with the lowest possible radiation exposure. The user can make adjustments to the collimation area at any time on a live touch-screen image of the patient. AI functionality and other intelligent tools for image acquisition preparation are combined in the so-called myExam Companion. For full-spine and long-leg exposures, with the support of the live image of the 3D camera, the user can easily reduce the number of images needed and therefore reduce the dose.

These new functionalities allow the user to utilize the device optimally every time and to concentrate more on the patient. Dr. Matthias May, Chief Physician of Radiology, University Clinic Erlangen, who is currently working with the device, says: “Thanks to the intuitively designed user interface of the Ysio X.pree, it was possible from day one to cover a wide range of examinations with high-quality results, even without intensive training. With the programmable robotics, the individual flavor settings for the image impression, the support of myExam Companion and the AI supported 3D camera, a wide array of technical solutions for the personalization of examination procedures is available.”

AI-Rad Companion Chest X-ray3
DICOM X-rays images from devices such as Ysio X.pree are a very good basis for Siemens Healthineers’ new AI clinical decision support software: AI-Rad Companion Chest X-ray. The newest member of the AI-Rad Companion product family complements the solutions already available for CT and MRI. Using artificial intelligence, it examines Chest X-rays for abnormalities. The software acts as a kind of “concurrent reader” for example, highlighting nodules in the lungs or indicates the presence of a pneumothorax with confidence scores. AI-Rad Companion Chest X-ray is vendor agnostic and conforms with the DICOM standards. The entire AI-Rad Companion product family benefits from the teamplay digital health platform. Its secure cloud environment provides high computing power, so no additional hardware resources are needed on-site.

About Siemens Healthineers AG
Siemens Healthineers AG is shaping the future of Healthcare. As a leading medical technology company headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, Siemens Healthineers enables healthcare providers worldwide through its regional companies to increase value by empowering them on their journey towards expanding precision medicine, transforming care delivery, improving the patient experience, and digitalizing healthcare. Siemens Healthineers is continuously developing its product and service portfolio, with AI-supported applications and digital offerings that play an increasingly important role in the next generation of medical technology. These new applications will enhance the company’s foundation in in-vitro diagnostic, image-guided therapy, and in-vivo diagnostics. Siemens Healthineers also provides a range of services and solutions to enhance healthcare providers ability to provide high-quality, efficient care to patients. In fiscal 2019, which ended on September 30, 2019, Siemens Healthineers, which has approximately 52,000 employees worldwide, generated revenue of €14.5 billion and adjusted profit of €2.5 billion.