Artificial Intelligence and Imaging Optimization
By Editorial Staff
In recent years, through its ability to collect and swiftly analyze huge volumes of data generated by imaging studies, artificial intelligence (AI) has been revolutionizing the practice of radiology.
Radiology professionals are hopeful that AI can be leveraged to enhance the diagnostic process, imaging consistency, and workflow efficiency since AI applications have the potential to automate many formerly tedious, time-consuming, and manually performed tasks.
Traditional methods for implementing AI have relied primarily on machine-learning algorithms based on expert programming of predefined rules. More recent advances, however, have given rise to superior algorithms that learn through direct navigation of data to “recognize” potentially suspicious findings. These “deep learning” algorithms are advantageous because they operate with minimal human expert intervention, and instead collect and process data in raw form through the use of artificial neural networks.
Current and future clinical applications of AI in radiology range from improving image recognition and suspicious lesion identification to streamlining reporting through predictive analytics.
Ryan Lee, MD, Section Chief of Neuroradiology and Vice Chair of Safety and Quality at Einstein Healthcare Network, described how Einstein has been using AI for the past two years in lung nodule detection.
“In this specific instance, what we have found is that it doesn’t actually save time, but it has allowed our chest radiologists to have increased confidence, knowing that this will pick up the lung nodules and they can then decide what it is. So, there are lots of things besides time-savings that AI and machine learning can do,” Dr. Lee said.
In addition to optimizing images, AI-based tools are being used to manage radiation and contrast doses. Click play on the video below to see Dr. Lee discussing the utility of these applications with Lawrence Tanenbaum, MD, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Medical Director Eastern Division, Director of CT, MRI and Advanced Imaging, at RadNet, Inc.
The potential integration of AI tools may, it is hoped, further enhance workflow consistency, safety and efficiency, which in turn has the potential to provide patients with a better treatment experience. For example, software that could control and monitor contrast and radiation dose, and seamlessly connect to RIS, PACS, and EMR systems at the enterprise level, may give radiology practices easy access to data, standardized reporting formats, and improved performance capabilities.
“I think you can generate some very powerful data for protocol optimization and quality control, by being able to actually integrate the information about the radiation dose, contrast injection, and the image quality,” said Daniele Marin, MD, Medical Director of Multi-Dimensional Image Processing Laboratory at the Duke University School of Medicine.
NEXO [DOSE]® Multi-Modality Radiation Informatics captures and records, enterprise-wide, real-time information needed to monitor and track trends, improve operating efficiency through “rules-based alerts” notification and implementation of ALARA protocols, keeping a facility at the forefront of radiation safety and compliance.
NEXO® Contrast Management System is designed to improve compliance and track performance; provide real-time KPI capture to analyze and automate clinical and operational metrics that enhance department efficiencies, monitor contrast delivery, track and measure compliance; and increase productivity in CT by monitoring patient safety, keeping up-to-date patient records, and seamlessly connecting and synchronizing data with RIS/PACS, EMRs, and voice dictation.
While challenges to implementation exist, progress in the use of AI in imaging is likely in the coming years, positioning radiologists to improve upon best practices and patient care.
“Some people refer to artificial intelligence as the new electricity,” Dr. Tanenbaum noted. “This is a bit of hyperbole, but in our daily activities, it appears all around us and these machine learning capabilities, this artificial intelligence augmentation of human capabilities, is going to help us be better radiologists.”
“AI is about concepts and constructs. It all goes back to the patient. We can become more patient-centric than ever. It’s not a tool. It’s how we approach AI. It’s personalized medicine, precision medicine, and it’s what’s best for the patient. That’s really why it’s inevitable.”
—Matthew J. Kuhn, MD, FACR
The views, information, or opinions expressed in the video(s) or article(s) above are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Bracco Diagnostics Inc. (“BDI”). The primary purpose of this video(s) or article(s) is to educate and inform. This information does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION | INDICATIONS AND USAGE
EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System
Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
INDICATIONS:
The EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System is indicated for the vascular administration of contrast and flushing media in conjunction with computed tomography (CT) scanning of the body with an optional interface to a CT scanner and an optional calculator for glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System
INDICATIONS:
The EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System is indicated for the vascular administration of contrast and flushing media in conjunction with computed tomography (CT) scanning of the body with an optional interface to a CT scanner and an optional calculator for glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
The Extravasation Detection Accessory (EDA™) is an optional accessory and is indicated for the detection of extravasations of ionic and nonionic contrast during CT procedures using a power injector.
Protocols have been independently developed and are not intended as medical advice. Bracco and Bracco Injeneering S.A. shall not be responsible for any physicians’ reliance on these or any other products.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
The EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System is not intended for use as a long-term infusion pump, nor is it intended to be used to inject any agents other than contrast or flushing media. Do not attempt to use the Injector for any other purpose (such as chemotherapy or drug infusion). The EmpowerCTA+ Injector System should not be used to inject substances into nonvascular body cavities. Any applications of the EmpowerCTA+ Injector System other than those described in its Operator Manual are inappropriate and should not be attempted.
Not all products are available in all global markets.
EmpowerCTA+ is distributed by Bracco Diagnostics Inc.; 259 Prospect Plains Road, Bldg. H; Monroe Township, NJ 08831 USA; Phone: (800) 631-5245; Fax: (609) 514-2424; Customer Service: 1-877-BRACCO 9 (1-877-272-2269); Professional Services: 1-800-257-5181 (Option 2); EmpowerCTA+ Email: empowerinfo@diag.bracco.com; Website: https://smartinject.com/ct-solutions/
EmpowerCTA+ is manufactured for Bracco Injeneering S.A., Avenue de Sevelin 46, CH – 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland. https://www.bracco.com/
EmpowerMR® Injector System
Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
INDICATIONS:
The EmpowerMR® Injector System is indicated for vascular administration of contrast media and flushing media in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Protocols have been independently developed and are not intended as medical advice and Bracco shall not be responsible for any physicians' reliance on these or any other protocols.
Bracco Injeneering S.A. reserves the right at any time and without notice, to change the specifications and features described herein, or to change the production or adjust the product described.
Not all products are available in all global markets.
EmpowerMR is distributed by Bracco Diagnostics Inc.; 259 Prospect Plains Road, Bldg. H; Monroe Township, NJ 08831 USA; Phone: (800) 631-5245; Fax: (609) 514-2424; Customer Service: 1-877-BRACCO 9 (1-877-272-2269); Professional Services: 1-800-257-5181 (Option 2); Website: https://smartinject.com/mr-solutions/
EmpowerMR is manufactured for Bracco Injeneering S.A., Avenue de Sevelin 46 CH – 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland. https://www.bracco.com/
NEXO® Contrast Management System
Intended Use:
The NEXO® Contrast Management System is a server-based application intended to be used as a data-management and visualization system. The NEXO Contrast Management System is able to read, store, share, compare/relate, as well as graphically display data and injection programs coming from RIS, PACS and multiple enabled EmpowerCTA®Injector Systems. This device provides users with record-lists, graphics and reports about data and performances.
This device is intended for retrospective and statistical data management and visualization. It is not intended for real-time data visualization, diagnostic applications or for any other use for which the device is not indicated. This device is only to be operated by and under quasi-continuous supervision of qualified and trained staff in an appropriate licensed healthcare facility.
The NEXO Contrast Management System is compatible with the EmpowerCTA Injector System version 8.0, and EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System version 9.0 and higher.
Bracco Injeneering S.A. reserves the right at any time and without notice, to change the specifications and features described herein, or to change the production or adjust the product described.
Not all products are available in all global markets.
NEXO is distributed by Bracco Diagnostics Inc.; 259 Prospect Plains Road, Building H; Monroe Township, NJ 08831 USA; Phone: (800) 631-5245; Fax: (609) 514-2424; NEXO Customer Service: 1-877-BRACCO 9 (1-877-272-2269); NEXO questions: Nexo.Answers@diag.bracco.com; NEXO U.S. Technical Service and Support: Phone: 888-670-7701; Fax: 609-514-2448; NEXO Email: customer.support@acistmedical.com; Website: https://smartinject.com/digital-solutions
NEXO is manufactured by Bracco Injeneering S.A., Avenue de Sévelin 46, CH-1004 Lausanne, Switzerland. https://www.bracco.com/
NEXO [DOSE]® Multi-Modality Radiation Informatics
Intended Use:
NEXO [DOSE]® Multi-Modality Radiation Informatics is a server-based application that acquires, stores, and reports radiation dose index data from medical imaging procedures.
NEXO [DOSE] Multi-Modality Radiation Informatics is intended to be used by qualified medical personnel only.
NEXO [DOSE] is distributed by Bracco Diagnostics Inc.; 259 Prospect Plains Road, Building H; Monroe Township, NJ 08831 USA; Phone: (800) 631-5245; Fax: (609) 514-2424; NEXO [DOSE] Customer Service: 1-877-BRACCO 9 (1-877-272-2269); NEXO [DOSE] questions: Nexo.Answers@diag.bracco.com; Website: https://smartinject.com/digital-solutions
NEXO [DOSE] Technical Support provided by PACSHealth, L.L.C: 1-877-299-6587
NEXO [DOSE] is manufactured by and is licensed from PHS Technologies Group, L.L.C, 32531 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite #105-282, Scottsdale, AZ 85266; a wholly-owned subsidiary of PACSHealth, L.L.C.
About Bracco Injeneering S.A.
Bracco Injeneering S.A., located in Lausanne, Switzerland, is the most recently added Business Unit of Bracco Imaging. Bracco Injeneering is committed to developing the best-in-class integrated injection solutions with a strong heritage in research and innovation. It provides quality solutions for state-of-the-art radiology centers, offering proven injection technology, built on Bracco Imaging’s expertise.
Thanks to this strengthened product portfolio, including the CT Exprès® 3D Contrast Media Delivery System, EmpowerCTA+ Injector System, EmpowerMR® Injector System, NEXO® Contrast Management System, and NEXO [DOSE]® Multi-Modality Radiation Informatics, Bracco Imaging will be able to focus on constant innovation, not only for devices but also for software development and data management.
CT Exprès, EmpowerCTA, EmpowerMR, IRiSCT, NEXO, and NEXO [DOSE] are registered trademarks of Bracco Injeneering S.A.
EDA and FastLoad are trademarks of Bracco Injeneering S.A.
These are representative images from reference studies; individual results may vary.
© 2023 Bracco Diagnostics Inc. All Rights Reserved.