GE HealthCare announced an agreement to acquire Intelligent Ultrasound Group PLC’s clinical AI software business for approximately $51 million. Intelligent Ultrasound specializes in AI-driven image analysis tools that enhance the efficiency of ultrasound technology. GE HealthCare plans to integrate these tools into its ultrasound portfolio to improve workflows and ease of use for clinicians and patients.
Phil Rackliffe, President and CEO of Ultrasound and Image Guided Therapies at GE HealthCare, stated, “We are excited to incorporate Intelligent Ultrasound’s technology into our systems to help clinicians improve workflow, reduce repetitive tasks, and simplify exams.”
Intelligent Ultrasound has developed the ScanNav Assist AI technology, which powers SonoLystlive and SonoLyst X/IR, featured on GE HealthCare’s Voluson™ Expert and Voluson Signature devices. This acquisition also brings an AI innovation pipeline to advance future developments and enhance efficiency.
GE HealthCare will integrate Intelligent Ultrasound’s research and development team to drive AI-enabled image recognition and innovation across its Women’s Health ultrasound devices and broader portfolio. This move follows GE HealthCare’s acquisition of Caption Health in 2023, which added new AI capabilities for early disease detection.
Nick Sleep, COO of Intelligent Ultrasound, commented, “Joining GE HealthCare will accelerate the adoption of our technology and make ultrasound easier for customers to use.”
These AI technologies are crucial for alleviating the workload on sonographers, especially amid rising exam complexity and radiology technologist shortages. Streamlined workflows and AI-enabled protocols can reduce manual processes, improve reproducibility, and allow clinicians to focus more on patient care.
This acquisition strengthens GE HealthCare’s portfolio of AI-enabled devices and supports its precision care strategy to address inefficiencies and improve patient care quality. Post-sale, Intelligent Ultrasound will focus on its high-fidelity ultrasound simulation technology for education.
The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in Q4 2024. GE HealthCare will fund the acquisition with cash on hand. Further details of the transaction remain undisclosed.
