FDA Clears GE’s Noninvasive, Radiation-Free Lung Imaging System

December 15, 2008 — GE Healthcare has entered into a partnership with Deep Breeze Ltd., a leader in vibration response imaging (VRI) technology, and announced that the FDA granted 510(k) marketing clearance for the VRIxv, a noninvasive, radiation-free lung imaging system.

The VRIxv will be on display at the 54th AARC International Respiratory Congress from Dec. 13-16, in Anaheim, CA.

Responding to the market need for bedside monitoring of lung sounds, GE Healthcare and Deep Breeze Ltd. have designed the VRIxv to display comprehensive information during the respiratory process on ventilated patients. The VRIxv records lung sounds by utilizing acoustic sensors brought in contact with the patients’ back while lying in bed. Sophisticated software converts signals into dynamic images of the lungs with regional distribution maps, numerical representation and breathing graphs. Each recording samples 20 seconds of lung sounds, typically covering several breath cycles. Moreover, monitoring capabilities are enhanced by synchronization of the VRIxv image and vibration energy graph, with the pressure and flow waveforms sampled from the ventilator. This synchronization helps to rapidly and objectively assess the recorded image.

For more information: www.gehealthcare.com