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RSNA 2024: AI Reaches Critical Mass

by Brian Bradfield on Dec 20, 2024

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At the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago, radiologists, technologists and assorted medical professionals from all around the country once again gathered to catch a glimpse of the latest technological breakthroughs in the radiology space.

In the last couple years, artificial intelligence has garnered the most headlines, and with good reason. The ability of AI to comb through large data sets and integrate into the workflows of physicians and radiology teams continues to get better and better each year. And at RSNA, my colleagues and I had the chance to see this progress firsthand, along with many more promising applications that will no doubt make a positive impact for years to come.

Here's what stood out to us as we met with customers and partners at RSNA 2024.

AI: From Theory to Practice


This feels like the first year that artificial intelligence has reached a critical mass. True, many providers are still hesitant about complementing their work with AI, but what I noticed on this visit was that trepidation has mostly turned to excitement.

That’s because, now that AI is out in the world, providers are witnessing how it can be used to enhance their ability to provide care. Far from taking jobs or making decisions on behalf of clinicians, AI is allowing providers to re-focus their energies on top-of-license work rather than become mired in data or other time-consuming, menial tasks.

Our partners at Siemens Healthineers are one of the companies leading the charge. They’ve begun to integrate AI applications into all their new systems and scanners, with many more on the horizon (see below). But Siemens has also been able to integrate AI-related solutions into systems that are already on the market. What that means for providers is that they may have access to upgrades to these solutions through a simple software update.

One example of this in practice is the industry-first AI Abdomen that’s a part of the ACUSON Sequoia 3.5 Ultrasound release, a major software and hardware update to the ACUSON Sequoia ultrasound system that leverages artificial intelligence-powered features for improved workflow and efficiency to enhance clinical performance.

AI Abdomen helps standardize exams across users, with a real-time organ-identification feature and freeze- measurement of organs. The algorithm provides consistent measurements across users, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing variability associated with manual measurements. With AI-based detection, labeling and measurements, the user can focus on the patient who may be experiencing significant pain or discomfort due to a range of potential causes from kidney stones and digestive issues to cancerous tumors.

A variety of other AI applications were available to preview and even test out, from companies both big and small. Microsoft was on hand to demonstrate how CoPilot, Azure and more can have myriad uses within healthcare. But it wasn’t just them. A slew of healthcare start-ups showcased some of the most exciting AI applications, showing off things that would have seemed impossible even a couple years ago, and they oftentimes did so with a fraction of the budget of some of the larger tech companies on hand.

I’m truly excited about what comes next and seeing these tools get into the hands of providers.

Counting Your Photons Before They Hatch


Siemens Healthineers made another big announcement this year when they unveiled a full lineup of photon-counting computed tomography scanners. Although not yet available in the United States, this expansion to the portfolio seeks to bring photon-counting technology to more clinicians and patients than ever.
Siemens-Healthineers_Naeotom-Alpha-Class-CT-Scanners-1In total, three new scanners were announced: the NAEOTOM Alpha.Pro, Alpha.Peak, and Alpha.Prime. The latter is actually the first photon-counting single-source scanner from the company, as all the others utilize Siemens’s dual-source technology. The new line of CT scanners build upon the successful launch of the NAEOTOM Alpha, which debuted in 2021 and has since scanned more than a million patients around the world.

New technologies like this don’t happen every day, and it feels like we’re on the cusp of something big. It was great to see that palpable excitement for photon-counting at RSNA.

A Chance to Connect


Finally, it’s important to note that, the best part of the show, as it has been every year I attend, is the ability to connect with like-minded imaging professionals. I met with so many people who are driven to make a massive impact in healthcare, and they come to RSNA to learn how to further those goals.

At Cassling, we’re happy and privileged to play a part in helping providers make a difference in the lives of their patients and the livelihood of their communities. And we’ll continue to bring you the latest details about technology, education and more in 2025 and beyond, so that you can use these developments to make a radical impact in the lives of those you touch.

See you at next year’s RSNA meeting!

Meet the Author

As the Chief Operating Officer of Cassling, Brian is responsible for ensuring the organization’s service, operations and strategy are in constantly alignment with Cassling’s mission to strengthen community healthcare. Brian has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare. He began his career as an MRI tech before becoming Director of Imaging and later Vice President of Ancillary and Support Services, all at LMH Health in Lawrence, Kansas. His dedication to rising through the ranks and his tenacity in navigating the challenges of modern healthcare position him like no other to relate firsthand to the pain points faced by our customers. Brian earned his Bachelor of Health Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.

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