Samsung Electronics, a leader in medical imaging technology, is showcasing its latest Ultrasound, Digital Radiography, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) concept and their software innovations at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2018 Annual Meeting at McCormick Place in Chicago.

“We are pleased that Samsung’s AI technologies have been successfully applied to the existing diagnostic imaging devices and have been well received in the market,” said Dongsoo Jun, President of Health & Medical Equipment Business at Samsung Electronics and CEO of Samsung Medison. “As a comprehensive diagnostic imaging solution provider, we will continue to strengthen our technologies through collaboration with hospitals and healthcare professionals. We aim to bring together radiologists and AI to fill in the gaps for improved healthcare management.”

Samsung showcases several types of AI based diagnostic imaging software:

• Ultrasound System – S-Detect for Breast is AI based software which analyzes breast lesions using ultrasound images, and has been implemented into Samsung’s ultrasound systems dedicated to Radiology. It assists in standardizing reports and classification of suspicious breast lesions by incorporating BIRADS® ATLAS* (Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System, Atlas)

According to a recently published study¹ by radiology professor Tommaso Bartolotta from the University of Palermo in Italy, S-Detect for Breast has shown to assist various degrees of improvement in the overall diagnosis of breast lesions. When using S-Detect for Breast, the diagnostic accuracy for doctors with experience of four years or less improved from 0.83 to 0.87 (AUC, Area Under Curve). S-Detect for Breast could be a useful tool for supporting and guiding breast diagnosis among non-expert breast imaging physicians (Only shape and orientation descriptors are automatically classified in the United States).

• Digital Radiography – By using AI technology, the ‘Bone Suppression’ function, which reduces the bone signal from the chest x-ray image, clearly brings out the lung tissues obscured by the bones. ‘SimGrid’ has also been introduced as a solution to ease the workflow to replace grids, while providing excellent image quality with reduced scatter artifacts. According to a recently published study², ‘SimGrid’ provided image quality almost as good as the images taken with a physical grid.

The Auto Lung Nodule Detection (ALND) is a CAD (Computer Aided Detection) solution based on AI technology used in the detection of lung nodules and is 510(k) pending. According to a recent  study³in press in Journal of Thoracic Imaging, ALND improved the detection sensitivity of lung cancer nodules 3 cm or smaller in chest radiographs by seven percentage points to 92 percent, compared with the average of six chest radiologists.

• Computed Tomography – Samsung has introduced the intra-cranial hemorrhage package that combines a mobile stroke unit with a radiological computer aided triage and notification solution based on AI technology.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Utilizing AI technology, Samsung is developing a technology to display information such as knee cartilage thickness as well as images of knee arthritis patients. The software is a prototype and not for sale in any region of the world.

At the Samsung booth, attendees will find a separate ‘AI zone’ that allows visitors to experience Samsung’s AI technology more easily. Samsung will also host a symposium that will demonstrate how its image processing technology improves diagnostic accuracy and promote radiation safety for pediatric patients.

Through the release of new diagnostic tools that utilize diverse data based on AI technology, Samsung will continue to support healthcare professionals to improve the diagnostic accuracy.

For more information on Samsung’s healthcare business, and products, please visit https://www.samsunghealthcare.com.

About Samsung Medison

Samsung Medison is a global leading medical device company, founded in 1985. With a mission to bring health and well-being of people’s lives, the company manufactures diagnostic ultrasound systems around the world across various medical fields. In 2011, Samsung Medison became an affiliate company of Samsung Electronics, integrating world’s best IT, image processing, semiconductor and communication technologies into medical devices.

¹Tommaso Vincenzo Bartolotta, et al. Focal breast lesion characterization according to the BIRADS US lexicon: role of a computer aided decision making support. La radiologia medica. 2018 Mar 22

²S. Y. Ahn, et al. The Potential Role of Grid-Like Software in Bedside Chest Radiography in Improving Image Quality and Dose Reduction: An Observer Preference Study. Korean J Radiol, 2018; 19(3):526-533

³M.J. Cha, et al. Performance of Deep Learning Model in Detecting Operable Lung Cancer with Chest Radiographs. J Thorac Imaging, 2018 In press

The research findings were published in the October 4, 2017 edition of the scientific journal Nature in an article entitled “Printable organometallic perovskite enables large-area, low-dose X-ray imaging”

Researchers at SAIT developed a perovskite semi-conductor material that, in addition to being significantly lower in radiation, is 20 times higher in sensitivity for X-rays, as well as cheaper in price compared to conventional flat panel detectors. Additionally, while conventional detectors processed with a vacuum deposition process, the technology used to make thin films of semi-conductors, do not allow extension to a large area due to technical limitations, the new material allows enlargement as required through a solution-based process such as printing or bar coating. Commercialization of this technology offers the potential for producing low-dose X-ray detectors that can scan the whole body at once.

“In order to apply perovskite onto X-ray photons, which are highly penetrable, the material must be 1,000 times thicker than that of a solar cell, while being able to retain electric signals for a sufficiently long enough time converted from X-ray,” said InTaek Han, Vice President of SAIT. “The new method of synthesis developed from the research is a key breakthrough for the field.”

*Perovskite: This crystal structured mineral is named after the Russian scientist Lev Perovski. Developers of solar cells and X-ray equipment are highly interested in the material due to its excellent photoelectric efficiency, which transfers light into electrical current.

Visitors awaiting Samsung Electronics’ CT unveiling at the RSNA’s 101st annual meeting on November 28.

Samsung Electronics is strengthening its commitment to delivering fast, reliable, smart and innovative diagnostic solutions for healthcare providers by debuting the newest additions to its portfolio, on display at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting at McCormick Place in Chicago. This week at booth #7313 (North Building, Hall B), product specialists will be on hand demonstrating Samsung’s range of solutions in Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound and Digital Radiography (DR) systems, which are all designed to enrich the quality of care and workflow, and enhance the patient experience.

“Through our innovative designs and advanced technologies, we remain committed to delivering new solutions, like the NExCT 7 and the RS80A with Prestige, that unlock workflow efficiencies for medical professionals as well as improve patients’ lives,” said Soo-In Cho, President and Head of the Health & Medical Equipment Business at Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. “By leveraging the combination of Samsung imaging technology and user-inspired design, we will continue to deliver on our promise of fast, easy and accurate diagnostic solutions for our customers in the healthcare community.”

Wayne Spittle, Executive Vice President of Samsung Medison, introducing the NExCT 7, Samsung’s first CT scanner.

Computed Tomography (CT) Segment

Samsung’s CT imaging solutions are used throughout the world in intensive care units, neurosurgical operating rooms, emergency departments, stroke centers and other key clinical areas. Debuting at RSNA is:

• NExCT 7 – the first premium CT scanner from Samsung features high resolution designed to improve diagnostic confidence in advanced and routine exams reducing the radiation dose as low as reasonably achievable and ensuring a fast and efficient workflow. Some features of the NExCT7 are FDA 510(k) pending.

• Portable CT – Samsung will be showcasing the latest in software and hardware enhancements across its portable CT product line. These upgrades improve user satisfaction and streamline workflow, and both systems are now compliant with the Smart Dose (XR-29) radiation dose reporting standard.

The BodyTom and CereTom portable systems continue to prove their versatility as they are increasingly adopted and utilized in a wide range of market applications such as mobile stroke units, brachytherapy suites, proton therapy centers, deep brain stimulation and even veterinarian hospitals.

Ultrasound Segment

Samsung continues to enhance the user experience with its cutting-edge diagnostic ultrasound devices around the world and across various medical fields. On display at RSNA are:

• RS80A with Prestige – now available in the U.S. market, this system features advanced technical capabilities built on the successes of Samsung technologies. Product features include:

• S-Fusion to enable simultaneous localization of lesions with a real-time ultrasound image supported by other modalities’ 3D data sets. Fusion speed and accuracy are the strengths of S-Fusion.
• S-Shearwave to detect the velocity of the shearwave transmitted through the targeted lesion and display the numerical measurement of stiffness.
• E-Breast*: this is the function for breast lesion exam, which calculates the strain between the area of the suspected lesion (ROI) and normal breast fat and displays the results.
• E-Thyroid*: This function assists with the diagnosis of thyroid lesions. The ROI is used to show the contrast of an elastogram.*The strain ratio value is a relative value regarding quantification, not an absolute value.

• HS70A – designed for hospital and private care. This system has a flexible architecture to meet the clinical needs of varied users. The HS70A offers a complete Radiology and Cardiovascular solution, including technologies migrated from the premium radiology RS80A platform. Features include S-Detect, which uses Breast Imaging-Reporting, and Data System (BI-RADS®) scores for analysis and classification of suspicious lesions.

Digital Radiography (DR) Segment

Samsung’s DR systems combine advanced imaging technology, award-winning design and user-friendly automated workflows to meet the demands of 21st century radiology departments. Products on display at RSNA include:

• GC85A – a DR system offering streamlined workflow, diagnostic confidence and improved total cost of ownership. The GC85A features imaging engine S-Vue, ensuring consistency with high quality, convenient setting of contrast and improved sharpness and clarity, S-Share to support unique clinical needs and continuous care with increased connectivity, and Smart Control for one-touch precise positioning.
• GM60A – a mobile Digital Radiography system that delivers high-quality imaging directly to the patient’s bedside. Advanced mobility allows use in the patient room, emergency room, operating room and the intensive care unit, and has advanced features, including S-Detector and S-Vue imaging technologies to deliver accurate diagnoses while ensuring reliable operation with enhanced usability. Additionally, the telescopic column ensures fast navigation by securing a clear view for users.

For more information about Samsung’s showcase at RSNA, please visit http://www.samsung.com/rsna2015.

To learn more about Samsung’s healthcare work, please visit samsung.com/global/business/healthcare/.

About NeuroLogica

NeuroLogica, a healthcare subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., develops, manufactures, and markets innovative imaging technologies and is committed to delivering fast, easy and accurate diagnostic solutions to healthcare providers. NeuroLogica, the global corporate headquarters and manufacturer of computed tomography, is also the U.S. headquarters for sales, marketing and distribution of all Samsung digital radiography and ultrasound systems. NeuroLogica’s growing portfolio of advanced medical technologies are used worldwide in leading healthcare institutions helping providers enhance patient care, improve patient satisfaction, and increase workflow efficiency. Samsung is committed to being leaders in the field of healthcare imaging. For more information, please visit www.SamsungNeuroLogica.com.