AI-Rad Companion Chest CT, an intelligent software assistant for radiology, was recently
awarded the CE mark. This artificial intelligence (AI)-based software helps radiologists interpret CT (Computed Tomography) images of the thorax faster and more precisely, and to document the findings in less time with the help of automatic measurements. AI-Rad Companion Chest CT is the first AI-based application on the new AI-Rad Companion platform, and is vendor-neutral, which means the software can evaluate image data from many CT system manufacturers. Siemens Healthineers plans to expand this platform so that more and more intelligent algorithms will be available for additional organs and modalities. This will enable the company to consistently expand its portfolio of effective solutions for AI-based clinical decision support. Results drawn up by radiologists can vary by some 10-20 percent, depending on the investigator. Algorithm-based diagnostics completely obviate this variability, generating constant results. That alone is a huge advantage of AI platforms like AI-Rad Companion. Using CT images of the thorax (chest), the software can differentiate between the various structures of the chest, highlight them individually, and mark and measure potential abnormalities automatically. This applies equally to organs such as the heart and lungs, aorta, and vertebral bodies. The software automatically turns the findings into a quantitative report, which can be called up via the image viewing system used by the radiologist in the clinical routine. In certain circumstances, the intelligent assistant also alerts physicians to potential abnormalities that would otherwise have been missed because they were not the focus of the original examination, e.g. chance discoveries of pathological dilations of the aorta (aneurysms). Examination using a chest CT is a procedure often used in everyday clinical practice. For radiologists, this means more examinations in a limited amount of time and usually for low reimbursement rates. AI-Rad Companion Chest CT is a tool that can actually simultaneously increase productivity and quality in diagnostic radiology. AI-Rad Companion Chest CT is a cloud-based solution and uses certified, secure teamplay infrastructure that complies with the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the U.S., and with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU. The software conforms to Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standards. The images and all supporting information can be made automatically available in the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) in line with the radiologist’s individual requirements.
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Aspect Imaging’s Embrace Neonatal MRI System is the world’s first FDA-cleared and CE-approved dedicated MRI system installed inside the NICU. It can provide a high-resolution MRI scan for babies weighing from 1.0 Kg to 4.5 Kg and a head circumference up to 38 cm. Embrace has been designed specially to be placed inside the NICU to avoid the risks of transporting infants to an external MRI facility, enabling safer imaging of newborns and allowing medical staff and parents to be present during the scan. Due to its unique design, the system can also scan intubated babies without having to disconnect and reconnect any tubing. The total Prep and Scan process takes less than an hour. Embrace is quieter than traditional whole-body scanners and features a permanent magnet that has low power consumption and requires no electrical, cryogenic or water cooling or a special safety zone or RF-shielded room. This means that for the first time a dedicated neonatal MRI – FDA-cleared and CE-Approved – can be placed inside the NICU without the risks and limitations of traditional MRI systems. Additionally, Embrace features the Neonatal Capsule – an integrated, temperature-controlled, incubator-like patient bed which minimizes movement of the baby, allowing continuous control of the baby’s environmental temperature and continuous monitoring of its vital parameters. Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel, has recently installed Aspect Imaging’s Embrace Neonatal MRI System inside its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where it is in regular use. 
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Research suggests that the signs and symptoms of clinical deterioration can be detected as early as six to eight hours before an event or arrest. However, physiological signs and symptoms of clinical deterioration can be difficult to detect in early stages. The use of early warning scores—especially automated scores, as opposed to manual calculations—has been shown to improve effectiveness. Welch Allyn Connex vital signs devices can help hospitals combine vital signs measurement with the collection of additional patient observational information—all in a single workflow. Vital signs and additional collected information are automatically calculated to generate an overall patient score—directly on the device at the bedside. Clinicians are prompted with messages providing specific response actions based on the patient score and the facility’s protocols. Complete information can then be sent directly to the patient’s record in the EMR. The use of automated early warning scores, such as those featured in Welch Allyn Connex vital signs devices, can help provide the timely decision support clinicians need to respond to patient changes right at the bedside.

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