GE HealthCare is showcasing its latest molecular imaging technologies for cardiology—including Flyrcado (flurpiridaz F 18)—at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The company’s portfolio, which includes imaging systems, radiopharmaceuticals, and analysis software, is aimed at improving the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary artery disease (CAD).

Central to this effort is GE HealthCare’s Flyrcado (flurpiridaz F 18) injection, a PET myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) agent developed for use in patients with known or suspected CAD. Approved for use in the US, Flyrcado provides clinicians with a new option for cardiac PET imaging, offering higher diagnostic efficacy than SPECT MPI—the more commonly used modality in nuclear cardiology today.

“Flyrcado represents one of the most significant advancements in nuclear cardiology in decades,” says Marcelo Fernando DiCarli, MD, chief of the Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Executive Director, Cardiovascular Imaging Program, Departments of Radiology and Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in a release. “For the first time in nearly 20 years, we have a new PET myocardial perfusion tracer that brings latest imaging technology within reach for patients across the US. The image quality is exceptional, and its use has the potential to reduce unnecessary invasive procedures by improving diagnostic confidence.”

Coverage Expands for Flyrcado F 18

Flyrcado was recently launched in select US markets. As of April 1, the agent received CMS pass-through status and a specific HCPCS billing code. GE HealthCare reports that it is now covered by all seven Medicare Administrative Contractors and included in updated commercial cardiac PET coverage policies affecting more than half of the US commercially insured population. Additional policy updates are expected later in the year. The company has also introduced a Flyrcado Support Center to assist with benefits investigation, coding, and claims submissions.

Flyrcado is compatible with multiple PET/CT systems, including Omni Legend, which GE HealthCare says supports flexible cardiac PET workflows. The system is designed to accommodate a range of tracers and is part of a scalable platform developed to meet demands for shorter scan times and lower radiation doses.

“With coverage now in place for all traditional Medicare beneficiaries, along with updated PET coverage policies in place for more than half of the nation’s commercially insured beneficiaries, millions of Americans—many at risk for or living with coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in the US—will have greater access to this innovative technology,” says Eric Ruedinger, vice president and general manager of GE HealthCare’s pharmaceutical diagnostics division for the US and Canada, in a release. 

SPECT/CT and Software Spotlighted

Additional cardiac imaging technologies on display include:

• StarGuide and Aurora: SPECT/CT systems designed to support cardiac diagnostics by capturing gamma rays from injected tracers. Both systems are optimized for image quality and scan efficiency, allowing clinicians to assess both physiological and structural cardiac conditions.
• MIM Software: Provides tools for multimodality image viewing, cardiac image fusion, and integration pathways for analysis across platforms.

These technologies aim to support early diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment planning, and monitoring in cardiology. According to GE HealthCare, molecular imaging—including PET and SPECT—offers detailed insights into biological processes, helping clinicians tailor treatment strategies and assess therapy response.

Photo caption: Flyrcado (flurpiridaz F 18)

Photo credit: GE HealthCare

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At the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Annual Meeting, GE HealthCare is highlighting new technologies designed to support precision care in theranostics and molecular imaging. 

The company’s latest innovations include AI-powered software for tumor burden analysis, new imaging systems, and radiopharmaceutical tools intended to streamline workflows and support personalized treatment planning.

“Every day counts when it comes to cancer care. The latest theranostics solutions will help our care teams more quickly and easily keep tabs on patient readiness and reduce patient coordination time—freeing up more time for clinicians to focus on direct patient care,” says Erik Mittra, MD, PhD, professor of diagnostic radiology in the at Oregon Health & Science University, in a release.

Among the new releases is LesionID Pro, a version of GE HealthCare’s MIM Software featuring automated, zero-click pre-processing. The tool is designed to help physicians reduce time spent on manual lesion segmentation and image registration when analyzing whole-body tumor burden. According to GE HealthCare, the software improvements aim to support therapy response monitoring and more efficient reporting.

Molecular imaging—such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)—plays a central role in theranostics by helping clinicians monitor disease and guide treatment. GE HealthCare’s updates to LesionID Pro aim to address common challenges in this space, including time-consuming manual processes. The latest version includes algorithm improvements that provide whole-body tumor volume data, which physicians can review and finalize using newly designed tools.

Theranostics-Enabling Solutions on Display

Also on display at SNMMI, as part of GE HealthCare’s portfolio of theranostics-enabling solutions, are the following innovations:

• MINItrace Magni: GE HealthCare’s newest cyclotron technology, designed with a small footprint (about the size of a commercial refrigerator) and the goal of providing an easy-to-site, easy-to-install solution for the reliable, in-house production of commercial PET tracers and radiometals, including Gallium-68, used in diagnostic imaging to support personalized care plans.
• Omni Legend: A PET/CT system designed to reduce dose by up to 40% while maintaining image quality. The system is intended to support growing demand for high-performance PET/CT in theranostic applications.
• StarGuide: A digital SPECT/CT system with 12 CZT detectors that offers 3D imaging and short scan times. The design supports lesion detection, therapy monitoring, and high patient throughput.
• Aurora: A dual-head SPECT/CT system featuring a 40 mm CT detector and dose reduction capabilities. The system is designed to provide image quality and operational efficiency in hybrid imaging environments.
• Theranostics Pathway Manager Tile: An application available through GE HealthCare’s Command Center software. The tool is designed to help clinical teams coordinate the theranostics care pathway by tracking patient readiness for therapy and consolidating information from multiple sources. Oregon Health & Science University will be an early adopter.

“Precision care is the future of oncology—and theranostics is at the heart of that future. The integration of advanced imaging and AI-powered software is accelerating the adoption of theranostics in clinical practice,” says Shyam Srinivas, MD, PhD, chief of nuclear medicine, associate clinical professor, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, in a release. “With tools like GE HealthCare’s Omni Legend, StarGuide, and MIM software at our disposal, we now have the ability to visualize disease with great clarity, quantify tumor burden efficiently, and make fast, informed decisions.”

Photo caption: LesionID Pro

Photo credit: GE HealthCare

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A US health system has signed a five-year agreement with medical imaging and cybersecurity company Sectra to implement its enterprise imaging solution as a fully managed cloud service. 

The contract covers Sectra One Cloud and the Sectra Amplifier Service, which allows integration of third-party AI applications into clinical workflows.

The health system, which conducts approximately 700,000 imaging exams annually, will initially deploy modules for radiology, breast imaging, and cardiology, along with AI tools supporting radiology, breast imaging, and orthopedics.

Sectra One Cloud is designed to unify imaging across departments, helping healthcare organizations streamline operations and reduce IT complexity. The solution also includes cybersecurity features and managed hosting, with Sectra overseeing integration, deployment, and ongoing support. The Amplifier Service allows multiple AI applications to run on a single infrastructure, removing the need for separate system management and potentially reducing security risks.

According to Sectra, consolidating multiple imaging systems under one platform may also improve data sharing and support more coordinated patient care across departments.

“An increasing number of US healthcare providers are recognizing AI’s benefits, making it a critical factor in the evaluation and selection of enterprise imaging providers,” says Isaac Zaworski, president of Sectra Inc, in a release. “I’m proud that we at Sectra can support this healthcare provider with a solution that accelerates their AI adoption and be a part of their commitment to decreasing workload and advancing patient care.”

The contract was signed in the fourth quarter of Sectra’s 2024/2025 fiscal year.

Photo credit: Sectra

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OhioHealth is investing $1.8 million in MRI system upgrades at Mansfield Hospital and Ontario Health Center. The new scanners are designed to deliver higher-quality images, faster scan times, and improved patient comfort.

Mansfield Hospital completed the installation of the MAGNETOM Sola system from Siemens in May. The upgrade, which cost more than $1 million, is expected to enhance image quality, speed up scan times, and reduce energy use.

Ontario Health Center will begin using its new OASIS Velocity Open MRI System from Fujifilm on June 24. The scanner’s open design offers patients a less confined experience, while its imaging capabilities aim to improve diagnostic accuracy. Scan times are expected to decrease significantly, according to a release from OhioHealth.

“Our recent upgrades to our MRI systems are transforming our patients’ scanning experience,” says Chris Clark, MBA, PT, director of radiation and cancer services at OhioHealth Mansfield and Shelby Hospitals, in a release. “These upgrades enable much faster, high-quality scans to quickly get our patients back to their busy lives.”

Photo caption: Ontario Health Center will begin scanning patients with Fujifilm’s OASIS Velocity Open MRI System later this month.

Photo credit: OhioHealth

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Hyperfine Inc—maker of a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared AI-powered portable MRI system for the brain, the Swoop system—has received FDA clearance of its next-generation software, Optive AI. This tenth-generation release is designed to deliver improved image quality for ultra-low-field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Optive AI software aims to enhance each stage of the imaging process, from noise cancellation and image acquisition to reconstruction and post-processing. The result is brain images with greater clarity, uniformity, and sharper anatomical detail, according to a release from Hyperfine. These AI algorithms are applied across all sequences.

Earlier this year, Hyperfine released the software at select clinical sites where early users responded positively to the image quality improvements, with some reporting that image quality is approaching that of conventional 1.5 tesla MRI scanners, according to the company. 

“The advanced AI algorithms integrated into our new software platform dramatically elevate image quality at ultra-low field strength, enabling more confident diagnoses at the point of care…It’s the strongest signal yet of where we’re headed—and how far AI-powered portable MRI imaging can go,” says Rafael O’Halloran, Hyperfine vice president of technology, in a release.

Hyperfine plans to initiate the rollout of Optive AI software to accounts in the third quarter of 2025.

Photo caption: Comparison of Swoop system FLAIR images showing current image quality and new Optive AI software image quality.

Photo credit: Hyperfine

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Siemens Healthineers has announced the first mobile stroke unit featuring the Somatom On.site head computed tomography (CT) scanner in the United States. The technology has been deployed at UCLA Health of Southern California. 

The mobile stroke unit is a specialized ambulance designed to quickly deliver advanced stroke care directly to patients to improve their chances of recovery. At the core of UCLA’s mobile stroke unit is the Somatom On.site, which is integrated into the ambulance to streamline workflow, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and empower mobile stroke unit teams to deliver timely, life-saving care.

When a 911 call indicates a potential stroke, a mobile stroke unit is dispatched alongside or instead of a standard ambulance. Upon arrival, the mobile stroke unit care team conducts an on-scene CT scan to determine whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic. The care team consults with a stroke specialist via telemedicine to guide immediate treatment decisions.

“The phrase ‘time is brain’ is used frequently when discussing stroke. The Somatom On.site head CT scanner at the heart of our mobile stroke unit empowers [mobile stroke unit] teams to make informed decisions sooner and potentially improve patient outcomes,” says Matthew Dedman, head of computed tomography at Siemens Healthineers North America, in a release. “This innovative CT solution will help stroke care teams improve access to care and reduce the critical time from symptom onset to diagnosis and treatment.”

Reducing Time to Stroke Treatment

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, with many patients experiencing long-term disabilities due to delayed treatment¹, and fatal strokes occur every 3 minutes and 11 seconds.^1,2 To save critical time and improve this situation, mobile stroke units allow pre-hospital diagnosis of suspected stroke patients. These units can help reduce time to treatment by an average of 30 minutes compared with conventional stroke pathways, and 65% more patients recover without health issues.^3,4

“Advancements in mobile stroke imaging represent a significant step forward in pre-hospital stroke care,” says May Nour, MD, PhD, FSVIN, medical director of the Arline and Henry Gluck Mobile Stroke Rescue Program at UCLA Health, Los Angeles, in a release. “Our commitment to innovative approaches in emergency medicine aims to improve patient outcomes through rapid assessment and treatment when every minute counts.”  

The Somatom On.site mobile head CT scanner in the mobile stroke unit delivers image quality comparable to stationary CT scanners, aiding in the detection of ischemia or brain bleeding. Integrated patient-support accessories, including the isocentered head holder and customized shoulder board, are designed to promote efficient workflow and patient positioning. The touch user interface and myExam Companion workflow, which is guided by artificial intelligence, help CT technologists acquire and automatically reconstruct images.

References

1. Tsao, C.W., Aday, A.W., Almarzooq, Z.I., et al (2023). Heart disease and stroke statistics—2023 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 147: e93–e621.
2. National Center for Health Statistics. Multiple Cause of Death 2018–2022 on CDC WONDER Database. Accessed May 3, 2024. https://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd.html
3. Golden Hour Treatment With tPA (Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator) in the BEST-MSU Study | https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.0398, accessed Jan 16, 2025
4. Comparison of Mobile Stroke Unit With Usual Care for Acute Ischemic Stroke Management| https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.5321, accessed Jan 16, 2025

A new study by Emory Healthcare researchers uses dynamic digital radiography (DDR) to compare shoulder biomechanics in patients after two widely accepted surgical interventions for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCTs). 

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) and arthroscopically assisted lower trapezius tendon (aLTT) transfer are often used to repair these tears; however, quantifying shoulder function post-operatively has remained difficult to assess. However, with the use of novel DDR imaging, it provided the ability to examine in-vivo kinematics by measuring scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR), the ratio of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic contributions to shoulder motion, non-invasively in patients. 

The authors also aimed to design an objective methodology for selecting the appropriate intervention that will maximize the patient’s shoulder mobility with the help of DDR. The study is published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.

DDR: A Low-Dose X-Ray Imaging Technique 

DDR is a novel, low-dose X-ray imaging technique available on Konica Minolta Healthcare DR Systems that captures both static images and cinegrams, providing an innovative way to obtain detailed images of complex joints like shoulders while in motion. By acquiring a series of images at high speed, DDR generates a cineloop that enables clinicians to visualize anatomical motion over time (cineradiography), enhancing the system’s diagnostic capabilities.

Utilizing DDR to characterize scapulohumeral rhythm both pre- and post-operative and evaluate for precise changes in SHR, Sameer R. Khawaja, MD, and collaborators, including the leadership of Eric R. Wagner, MD, MSc, and his research lab, demonstrate that Wagner’s patients undergoing aLTT yields superior restoration of shoulder biomechanics for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears than his patients undergoing RSAs. 

Rotator Cuff Surgery Outcomes Compared

The study highlights how aLTT transfer enhances shoulder stability and improves functional mobility. In contrast, RSA is a very successful treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears and other pathologies but fails to restore the same level of native biomechanics as the aLTT.

“Using the dynamic radiography provided by Konica Minolta’s DDR imaging enables us to change the clinical algorithms for both preoperative decision making and postoperative evaluations of surgical outcomes,” says Wagner in a release.

Zaamin Hussain, MD, an orthopedic surgery resident at Emory Healthcare, adds in a release, “It’s often difficult to decide whether we should do a RSA or aLTT for these patients with massive rotator cuff tears. These are very different treatments. Not only can the DDR images help make that decision preoperatively, but the results of this study suggest there is potential for improved overall coordination of the shoulder with aLTT, which is only possible to assess with in vivo dynamic imaging.”

DDR Enhances Rotator Cuff Surgery Outcome Analysis

John Sabol, PhD, clinical research manager at Konica Minolta Healthcare, says, “Konica Minolta congratulates the team at Emory Healthcare on the publication of their study demonstrating the clinical utility of DDR in comparing post-surgical outcomes in patients undergoing reconstructions for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. DDR is an FDA-cleared radiography solution that provides insight into the dynamic relationship of bones and soft tissue through their full range of motion. 

“As the Emory team has demonstrated in this work, DDR overcomes the historical challenges in evaluating biomechanics in clinical patient populations. This will enable improvements in the quality of care and patient outcomes.”

Photo caption: Radiographs of humerothoracic abduction in patient with aLTT (top) and RSA (bottom) at: (A and D) rest, (B and E) 45°, (C and F) and 90°. aLTT, arthroscopic-assisted lower trapezius tendon; RSA, reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Photo credit: Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas

SHINE Technologies, a nuclear fusion company with a platform of medical isotope products, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the SPECT business from Lantheus, a radiopharmaceutical-focused company. 

The acquisition will include the portion of the North Billerica, Massachusetts, campus that manufactures Lantheus’ SPECT products. By combining SHINE’s fusion-based isotope manufacturing technology with Lantheus’ established market channels, the transaction aims to strengthen SHINE’s leadership in the nuclear medicine market.

“Our companies have a long history of partnership, and we have admired Lantheus’ commitment to ensuring patient access to essential medical radioisotopes. By integrating Lantheus’ SPECT business and talented team with our company, we will expand our product portfolio, accelerate our path to market for our planned suite of isotopes and increase our market share—ultimately ensuring greater access to these life-saving products for patients,” says Greg Piefer, founder and CEO of SHINE, in a release.

Expanding Isotope Production Capabilities

For nearly 70 years, Lantheus has provided the nuclear medicine market with diagnostic radiopharmaceutical products. The company is a market leader in US production of technetium-99 (Tc-99), a medical isotope used in nuclear medicine imaging procedures. Lantheus’ SPECT product portfolio includes imaging agents for the heart, lung, thyroid, bladder, and more.

Chrysalis, SHINE’s large-scale irradiation facility, is set to become the largest isotope production facility in the world. Once operational, Chrysalis will complement the existing supply chain, ensuring a sustainable and reliable source of isotopes, including Mo-99, the world’s most widely-used isotope, and Lu-177, the most widely cancer cancer-fighting isotope.

Last year, SHINE opened one of the largest facilities in the western hemisphere dedicated to producing non-carrier-added lutetium-177. The facility has a production capacity of up to 100,000 doses of Lu-177 per year, with the ability to further expand to 200,000 doses per year.

“We are confident that SHINE’s expertise in isotope production as well as their commitment to growth and patient access position them well to continue our legacy with the SPECT business as we focus on advancing and expanding our pipeline of innovative diagnostics and therapeutics,” says Brian Markison, CEO of Lantheus, in a release. “SHINE’s interest in our SPECT business underscores the dedication and knowledge of our employees who have been instrumental to its decades-long success at Lantheus, and we thank our talented team for their contributions.” 

Photo caption: Chrysalis, SHINE’s large-scale irradiation facility

Photo credit: SHINE Technologies

United Imaging announced that its first interventional X-ray system, uAngio AVIVA, is now US Food and Drug Administration cleared. uAngio AVIVA is an intuitively bionic ceiling-mounted system that uses intelligent robotics, voice control, vision, and imaging to serve as an assistant to clinical staff in the interventional suite.

“Our goal is to allow the staff’s focus to remain on the patient,” says Edgar Alvarez, vice president of the X-ray portfolio in the US, in a release. “We hone in on that by giving them an intuitive user experience, streamlined workflows, and fantastic image quality at low dose.”

Specifically, the uAngio AVIVA offers the following, according to the company:

• Intelligent Voice Assist and 3D Vision: The intelligent system enables hands-free image review and movement assistance, allowing clinical staff the ability to focus on the patient during procedures in the interventional suite.
• 8-Axis Robotics: The 8-axis ceiling-mounted robotic system offers flexibility, allowing full lab coverage, easy tableside access while navigating the complexity of medical equipment in the interventional site.
• Imaging Insights: The uVERA IQ intelligent imaging technology leverages United Imaging’s proprietary artificial intelligence algorithms to obtain high-quality images at low dose for interventional radiology, neuro interventions, and interventional cardiology procedures.

“Our employees’ voices across America trained the system’s voice commands, and our customers gave us the insights we needed to shape this innovative system,” says Jeffrey M. Bundy, PhD, CEO of United Imaging Healthcare North America, in a release. “It is exciting to continue bringing industry firsts to healthcare. And, as with all the technology we offer, we are bringing it to market with All-in Configurations® Software Upgrades for Life, and the other groundbreaking business models we’ve invented to make it simpler and more cost-transparent for healthcare providers to purchase.”

The uAngio AVIVA can soon be explored alongside other products in all of United Imaging’s imaging modalities at the company’s recently expanded Houston headquarters.

Photo caption: uAngio AVIVA

Photo credit: United Imaging

GE HealthCare today unveiled SIGNA Sprint, a US Food and Drug Administration 510(k) pending wide bore 1.5T high-performance gradient MRI system, at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) 2025. This technology is designed to advance imaging possibilities in cardiology, oncology, and other clinical and research areas. 

According to a release from GE HealthCare, the need for advanced diagnostics in cardiology and oncology continues to grow, with cardiovascular disease accounting for 32% of global deaths, and cancer accounting for nearly 10 million deaths per year.  “Meeting this demand with advanced MRI technologies has the potential to make significant impact for cardiology and oncology patients,” says the company in the release. 

With the goal of delivering higher gradient benefits previously attainable on only 3.0T systems, SIGNA Sprint is designed to offer high-performance scanning made simple at 1.5T, with “exceptional diffusion imaging,” a critical tool in oncology diagnosis and treatment planning. SIGNA Sprint is also designed to equip clinicians and researchers with the ability to expand the current 1.5T boundaries, aiming to enable fast clinical translation and pioneering research. 

SIGNA Sprint, with a high-gradient performance of 65/200 per axis for fast imaging and image quality, is designed to deliver clear visualization of sub-millimetric structures and deep learning solutions to support diagnostics and treatment response monitoring in oncology patients. This new system supports clinicians’ shift to quantitative MRI and a deeper understanding of tissue characteristics, going beyond basic assessment of anatomy. The adoption of deep-learning reconstruction techniques for accelerated cardiac MRI aims to reduce the time and expertise needed to interpret scans and drive consistency and reliability. 

“We are driven to push the boundaries of what’s possible in MRI with our ultra-premium segment, as our goal is to set a new standard in diagnostic research and precision care that allows for earlier clinical detection and treatment response,” says Kelly Londy, CEO, MR, GE HealthCare, in a release. “We are working to enhance diagnostic capabilities to provide highly accurate imaging with peace of mind for patients. We hope to help clinicians unlock new horizons for research in advanced imaging.”                          

SIGNA Sprint also is designed to optimize patient comfort, providing a 70cm wide bore space, free-breathing capabilities, and blanket-like AIR Coils to improve the patient experience. This platform is designed to benefit from built-in AI technologies: AIR Recon DL, Sonic DL, and AIR x. SIGNA Sprint aims to support clinician goals of providing precision care through the entire care pathway, from the early diagnostic stage to treatment monitoring. 

SIGNA Sprint is 510(k) pending at the US Food and Drug Administration and is not yet CE marked. The system is not available for sale in any region. 

Latest in MRI Advancements to be Showcased at ISMRM 

GE HealthCare also will showcase the latest advancements in MRI technologies at ISMRM, including: 

• SIGNA MAGNUS: A head-only MR scanner designed to support high resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio, diffusion-weighted imaging, and short scan times. GE HealthCare has demonstrated leadership in high-performance gradient technology with the introduction of HyperG gradients, one of the most efficient gradient coils on the market. 
• Sonic DL 3D:  Designed to accelerate MRI scans across a wide range of clinical applications, Sonic DL for 3D builds on the success of AIR Recon DL, which has helped more than 50 million patients to date. 
• Freelium: a helium-free  sealed magnet platform in development aims to dramatically reduce liquid helium usage without sacrificing power efficiency, operational security, and clinical performance. 

ISMRM is taking place through May 15, in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Photo caption: SIGNA Sprint

Photo credit: GE HealthCare