GERMANY – Siemens Healthineers has introduced the Acuson Sequoia 3.5, an advanced update to its ultrasound platform that integrates cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and hardware improvements.
Designed to enhance diagnostic accuracy and streamline workflows, the platform features AI-powered tools that automatically recognize, label, and measure organs in real-time during abdominal scans.
The new AI Abdomen program standardizes imaging across users by identifying and freezing organ measurements automatically.
This innovation significantly reduces manual input, minimizing variability in diagnostic results while increasing efficiency.
According to Siemens, the AI Abdomen feature can reduce sonographer hand movements by up to 89%, simplifying the examination process for patients experiencing pain from conditions such as kidney stones, digestive issues, or cancer.
A major highlight of this update is the inclusion of advanced liver quantification tools.
The Ultrasound-Derived Fat Fraction (UDFF) and Auto Point Shear Wave Elastography (Auto pSWE) provide precise measurements of liver stiffness and hepatic fat content in a single acquisition, aiding in the assessment of conditions like hepatic steatosis.
To complement its software advancements, Siemens introduced the HLX transducer, a high-frequency linear probe designed for breast and musculoskeletal imaging.
Lightweight with an ergonomic grip and narrow shape, the HLX transducer enables detailed imaging of large, moving tissues and small structures, such as tendons, while reducing strain on clinicians.
These features make it particularly effective for diagnosing tendon tears and inflammatory arthritis.
For breast imaging, proprietary algorithms ensure high-quality results while improving comfort during scans.
Ajay Gannerkote, head of Ultrasound at Siemens Healthineers, emphasized the company’s focus on practical AI: “We are committed to developing solutions that enhance the clinical experience, streamline workflows, and standardize diagnostic results for better patient care.”
The Acuson Sequoia 3.5, cleared by the FDA and CE-marked for use in the European Union, is now globally available.
Siemens announced the platform during the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago, where it also revealed collaborations and advancements in photon-counting CT technology.
Building on its ultrasound innovations, Siemens Healthineers has partnered with RadNet’s DeepHealth subsidiary to integrate the Acuson Sequoia platform with SmartSonography, a cloud-powered workflow solution.
This collaboration aims to further enhance ultrasound efficiency and accessibility.
Elsewhere at RSNA, Siemens unveiled two new models in its Naeotom Alpha photon-counting CT scanner line: the dual-source Naeotom Alpha.Pro and the single-source Naeotom Alpha.Prime.
These scanners offer ultra-thin image slices as narrow as 0.2 millimeters, providing unparalleled imaging precision.
To support global adoption, Siemens is investing US $86 million to expand detector production in Forchheim, Germany, further solidifying its leadership in diagnostic imaging technology.
