Intelligent Ultrasound launches the ScanNav PNB Trainer in the UK
(IUG ) has launched its real-time training system ScanNav Anatomy: Peripheral Nerve Block Trainer ("ScanNav PNB Trainer") in the UK.
The ultrasound artificial intelligence (AI) software and simulation company detailed that the real-time trading system utilises the latest AI technology ‘to automatically highlight the key structures on the live ultrasound image to aid in the teaching of peripheral nerve blocks.’
Peripheral Nerve Blocks (“PNBs”) are a form of regional anaesthetic that is most commonly used for surgery on the arms and hands, the legs and feet, or the face but require a high level of skill to recognise the ultrasonic appearance of anatomically relevant structures.
Peripheral nerve blocks are typically performed by anesthesiologists, surgeons, and emergency department physicians. Intelligent’s training system, ScanNav PNB Trainer. has been designed to teach less experienced clinicians how to perform the key nerve blocks.
Figure 1: Demonstration of Adductor highlighting using ScanNav Anatomy PNB AI software
Video: A demonstration of ScanNav AnatomyGuide, the AI based ultrasound software product which can identify and highlight anatomical structures on a live ultrasound image.
The Group said it is compatible with most ultrasound machines in anaesthesiology and comes with a complete range of block-specific training videos using 3D animation in order to show the relationship between probe position and sonoanatomy.
Chief Technology Officer, Nicholas Sleep, commented "We're delighted to be launching the ScanNav PNB Trainer in the UK. The AI-based software helps both trainees and their trainers by automatically highlighting the key anatomical structures needed to locate the correct block site.
This makes it much easier to teach a block and also allows trainees to practice in a non-clinical environment without time pressure. The system is the first product in the Group's simulation range to benefit from our clinical AI research and development programme."
CEO, Stuart Gall recently told investors that he remains confident that the Simulation Division will return to revenue growth in 2021 and this product launch certainly provides investors further confidence.
In addition to today’s launch of the ScanNav PNB Trainer in the UK, Intelligent also expects first product launch and initial revenues for its second clinical AI product to be in 2H21.
Shares in Intelligent Ultrasound have now recovered strongly from lows of 10p at the height of the COVID crisis with the stock gaining over 11% in value since the beginning of March 2021 alone. Shares were trading 2.74% higher this morning at 15p immediately following the news.
Reasons to follow IUG
Intelligent Ultrasound develops AI-based clinical image analysis software tools for the diagnostic medical ultrasound market and hi-fidelity VR simulators for the ultrasound training and education markets.
Recent Positive News
In a recent trading update for the 12 months to December 2020, IUG said it has enough operational flexibility to weather the COIVID storm, whilst investing for future growth.
Sales from its direct UK and US sales team are expected to have grown by over 15% to £3.8m (FY19: £3.3m), helped by strong sales from the Group's ScanTrainer and BodyWorks simulators, which incorporate the group’s ‘free of charge’ Covid-19 lung training module.
However, sales in Europe and Asia, that are made through IUG’s reseller network, were impacted by Covid-19 restrictions and are expected to have declined to £1.4m (FY19: £2.6m).
Global Partnership with GE
The Group announced in 2020 that it had been working closely with GE to commercialise its AI technology. GE launched the “Voluson SWIFT” ultrasound machine in October 2020, that incorporates IUG’s ScanNav Assist AI technology in its SonoLyst software. GE now has both CE approval for sale in Europe and 510(k) clearance from the FDA for sale in the USA.
GE’s SonoLyst is the first AI software to be launched under IUG’s long-term licence and co-development agreement with GE. It is also the world's first fully integrated AI tool that recognises the 20 views recommended by the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology mid-trimester practice guidelines for fetal imaging. The Voluson SWIFT is the first of the three product types in GE’s Voluson range to offer SonoLyst.
The GE Voluson SWIFT, when deployed in private healthcare settings, increases the speed of ultrasound procedures whilst ensuring correct quality levels are consistently achieved.
This has the potential to increase revenue for the operator and therefore provide GE Healthcare with a more compelling sales proposition than that of its competitors.
Prof Aris Papageorghiou, Professor of Fetal Medicine, St George's Healthcare NHS Trust, London called the technology a “big advance for ultrasound imaging in women’s health.”
He added, “I have worked in the field of AI in ultrasound for over ten years, yet I am still amazed at the level of accuracy that has been achieved. You can really see how Intelligent Ultrasound's AI technology, incorporated in the SonoLyst software, will improve efficiency, make the learning of ultrasound easier and reduce omissions and errors.”
Commenting on the trading update, Stuart Gall, CEO of Intelligent Ultrasound Group said the group had seen “a very positive year” despite the impact of Covid-19, commenting:
“The Clinical AI Division has continued to perform well, with GE Healthcare's Voluson SWIFT ultrasound machine, that incorporates Intelligent Ultrasound's ScanNav Assist AI technology in its SonoLyst software, receiving CE approval for sale in Europe and 510(k) clearance from the FDA for sale in the USA.”
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