GE HealthCare has added several new functions to its OEC 3D C-arm portfolio to enhance clinician workflows and improve the visualisation of airways in the lungs during endoscopic bronchoscopy procedures.
For advanced imaging in endoscopic bronchoscopy, GE has introduced the OEC 3D Lung Suite. The platform provides augmented fluoroscopy overlays of 3D points of interest on live fluoroscopy images and adjustable motorised 3D scanning intended to account for patient or equipment movements during a scan.
Introduced in 2021, the OEC 3D C-arm is designed to provide 3D and 2D imaging without the need to switch systems during procedures. In June 2023, GE HealthCare signed an agreement with Johnson & Johnson’s orthopaedics company DePuy Synthes for the distribution of the system in the US.
GE HealthCare has also verified Intuitive Surgical’s Ion Endoluminal Robotic Bronchoscopy System to OEC Open. Currently verified with eight third-party systems, the interface allows clinicians to supplement the OEC 3D C-arm’s imaging capabilities with other technologies spanning robotics, navigation, and augmented reality vision.
The addition of Intuitive’s system to the interface means that clinicians can now automatically transfer OEC 3D mobile cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images upon reconstruction to the Ion System to update target locations for clinician catheter adjustments during the procedure.
Dr Dominique Pepper, medical director of bronchoscopy and respiratory care at Providence Swedish South Puget Sound, described the interface verification of the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy System as a “gamechanger”.
“I believe we can now reach and diagnose almost any nodule in the lung,” said Pepper.
“GE HealthCare is excited about the addition of the Intuitive Ion robotic system to our OEC Open interface,” said GE HealthCare’s global general manager for surgery Christian O’Connor.
“This interface provides interventional pulmonologists using the OEC 3D C-arm a seamless experience during minimally invasive, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedures. Furthermore, this collaboration also signifies our continued commitment to enabling surgeons access to the latest technologies to support them in providing exceptional patient care."
According to GlobalData analysis, the C-arm segment of the global diagnostic imaging market was valued at almost $2bn in 2023 and is forecast to reach a valuation of around $2.7bn by 2033.
In other recent developments, GE Healthcare received clearance earlier this month from the US Food and Drug Administration for its SIGNA MAGNUS MRI scanner. Last month, the company launched Versana Premier, the latest addition to its Versana family of ultrasound systems.
