Revolutionary Deep Learning-Based Image Processing Software Enhances PET/CT Image Quality

The quality of these images is of utmost importance to both clinicians and patients as it could mean the difference between early detection or late-stage discovery of a small lesion, potentially influencing patient outcomes and disease management. As a result, clinicians are progressively opting for AI-based solutions for superior image quality compared to traditional care. Deep learning, a subset of AI and machine learning, employs deep neural networks that comprise layers of mathematical computations and millions of connections and parameters. These are trained and honed based on the intended output, making deep learning a significant advancement over older processes that demand more human intervention. This allows for the management of complex models and a vast number of parameters with ease, giving clinicians the time and insights they require for more assured diagnosis and patient care.

GE HealthCare (Chicago, IL, USA) has introduced Precision DL, a novel, ground-breaking deep learning-based image processing software that offers the image quality performance advantages typically associated with hardware-based Time-of-Flight (ToF) reconstruction. These advantages include enhanced contrast-to-noise ratio, contrast recovery, and quantitative accuracy. Precision DL is more than a new image processing technique; it's designed with a sophisticated deep neural network trained on thousands of images produced with multiple reconstruction methods, including ToF reconstruction. This allows it to deliver the image quality performance advantages usually linked with hardware-based ToF reconstruction.

Precision DL is available on GE HealthCare’s Omni Legend PET/CT scanner which already possesses over twice the sensitivity of previous digital scanners, facilitating quicker scan times and remarkable small lesion detectability. The combination of Precision DL with the Omni Legend's ultra-high sensitivity and third-generation digital detector technology ushers in a new age for PET/CT performance and outcomes. This marks a shift from ToF technology to the next generation of PET/CT performance, enabling clinicians to decipher coincidence events at exceptionally high resolutions for informed diagnoses and treatment planning. GE HealthCare has obtained US FDA 510(k) clearance for Precision DL.

“One of the main advantages of moving fully into the future of AI and deep learning is making state-of-the-art imaging accessible to more practices, across more care areas than ever before,” said Jan Makela, President & CEO, Imaging, GE HealthCare. “Clinicians are seeing the value of applying deep learning technology to enhance image quality with our multi-modality family of Effortless Recon DL applications, which already includes AIR Recon DL for MR, TrueFidelity for CT, and Helix DL for X-ray. Now we are proud to add Precision DL for PET/CT, enabling more precise and personalized care across healthcare systems’ imaging departments.”

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