Ultra-portable imaging devices are transforming the landscape of diagnostics and patient care by providing unparalleled mobility and user-friendliness. In this article, we examine the integration of AI, and other trends, shaping this evolution
Trends across the industry
1. Embedded AI in imaging
While Artificial Intelligence (AI) image processing software has been around for some time, integration of embedded AI is a significant trend. AI algorithms are being incorporated into portable imaging devices to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency at the point of scan.
For example, Caption Health, a US-based company acquired by GE HealthCare, has developed Caption AI, an AI-powered software that assists clinicians in capturing and interpreting ultrasound images. This software provides real-time guidance, improving the accuracy of diagnostics and making it easier for less experienced practitioners to perform ultrasound scans.
This integration of AI not only improves the reliability of portable imaging but also reduces the workload on healthcare professionals.
2. Wireless and cloud connectivity
Wireless and cloud connectivity features are becoming standard in ultra-portable imaging devices. These features enable real-time sharing of images and data with specialists anywhere in the world, facilitating remote consultations and telemedicine.
For instance, Clarius Mobile Health, a Canadian company with significant market presence in the US, offers wireless ultrasound scanners that connect to an app, providing instant access to cloud-based image storage and sharing. This connectivity ensures that patients in remote or rural areas receive the same level of care as those in urban centres.
3. Advances in battery tech and power management
Moreover, advancements in battery technology have greatly enhanced the functionality of ultra-portable imaging devices. Longer battery life ensures that these devices can be used in the field for extended periods without the need for frequent recharging, thus improving their practicality in various settings, from rural clinics to disaster zones.
Sample output from CAD4TB v6. (a) The original radiograph (b) The radiograph with abnormality heatmap overlay. The final composite CAD4TB score for this subject was 91.7 (0 = normal, 100 = most abnormal) and the Xpert test was positive. Image: The Stop TB Partnership & Scientific Reports
The Stop TB Partnership has led a large-scale roll-out of ultra-portable battery-powered X-ray devices that can be packed into backpacks for easy transport into the field. Combined with computer-aided detection (CAD) technology to identify signs of tuberculosis (TB) in chest X-rays, these have enabled earlier detection of TB in remote areas.
Trends across the industry
One major trend in ultra-portable imaging is the rise of handheld ultrasound devices. These pocket-sized devices, such as the Butterfly iQ and Philips Lumify, connect to smartphones or tablets, providing high-quality imaging on the go.
Butterfly Network’s Butterfly iQ+ stands out with its advanced capabilities and user-friendly interface. This device uses a single silicon chip to perform whole-body imaging, making it a versatile tool for clinicians. GE Healthcare has made significant strides with its Vscan Air, a wireless handheld ultrasound that delivers crystal-clear images and connects seamlessly to smartphones.
These portable devices are particularly useful in emergency and remote settings, where access to traditional imaging equipment is limited. These handheld ultrasounds are also cost-effective, making advanced imaging more accessible to underserved populations.
Recent advancements in the portability of ultrasound technology include innovative wearable patches. These devices are capable of continuously monitoring specific anatomical areas, even when the patient is away from medical facilities or doctors’ offices. For instance, a device developed by researchers at MIT is engineered to track the health of the bladder and kidneys over time. Such wearables have the potential to be utilized in the future for the early detection of internal cancers.
Portable MRI machines at the bedside
The development of portable MRI machines is also noteworthy. While still in its early stages, companies like the UK-based start-up, Hyperfine, are pioneering compact, mobile, ultra-low-field MRI systems.
Hyperfine’s Swoop, a portable MRI system, can be wheeled to a patient’s bedside and plugged into a standard electrical outlet, allowing for immediate imaging without the need for patient transport to a traditional MRI suite. This innovation is particularly beneficial for critically ill patients who cannot be moved easily.
Portable CT scanners for rapid stroke diagnosis
Prompt and pre-hospital diagnosis and treatment of strokes are critical in significantly improving patient recovery and minimizing healthcare expenses. Micro-X is one company at the forefront of this change, pioneering the development of an innovative, lightweight CT scanner. This portable device is designed for integration into road and air ambulances, enabling immediate stroke diagnosis at the point of care. By doing so, it drastically cuts down the critical window from stroke onset to the initiation of treatment.
The Micro-X device incorporates multiple carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray emitters and a curved detector, enabling it to be much smaller and lighter than traditional CT scanners with bulky, rotating components, while still delivering high quality 3D CT images. Initially aimed at Point of Care Stroke Imaging, the technology promises to expand into comprehensive point of care diagnostics for various medical conditions.
Seeing through the skin
Vein Viewer Technology represents a forefront innovation in medical imaging that leverages high-frequency illumination to cast a live depiction of a patient’s vascular map directly onto the patient skin. These devices, also known as Infrared Vein Viewer, Laser Vein Finder, or Vein Illuminator, is particularly beneficial for patients with difficult venous access due to obesity and dehydration, among others.
Vein viewer technology Increases the likelihood of successful vein access on the first try, reducing patient discomfort and the need for multiple needle insertions. It also minimizes the risk of complications like extravasation or hematoma formation by enabling the identification of the most suitable veins for cannulation.
This technology continues to evolve with trends focusing on improving these devices’ portability, accuracy, and integration with other medical equipment.
High quality diagnostics for all
Ultra-portable imaging is transforming healthcare by making high-quality diagnostics more accessible, efficient, and convenient. With continuous technological advancements and the integration of AI, the future of medical imaging looks set to become even more innovative, bringing crucial diagnostic tools directly to the point of care.
Companies are leveraging the skills of product development consultants to innovate and improve portable imaging devices, ensuring these tools not only enhance diagnostic capabilities but also improve patient outcomes across various healthcare settings. These partnerships are driving the creation of more portable, connected, and effective imaging solutions than ever before.
Craig Townsend, Head of Healthcare at 42T, says, “Product development consultants play a vital role in this transformation. Our expertise in technology innovation, user experience design, and regulatory compliance helps ensure that new devices meet the needs of both clinicians and patients.
We routinely assist companies in navigating complex medical device regulations, ensuring that products are compliant with FDA or European CE standards, thereby speeding up the time to market. We also help in refining the design and functionality of devices through user feedback, making sure that products are intuitive and effective in real-world clinical settings.
Crucially, consultants can aid in the integration of cutting-edge technologies like embedded AI, advising on the best algorithms and frameworks to enhance diagnostic accuracy. For instance, we can facilitate collaborations between tech developers and medical professionals, ensuring that the resulting products are both technologically advanced and clinically relevant.”