Siemens Healthineers has introduced a game-changing ultrasound system upgrade, Acuson Sequoia 3.5, which incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to redefine the way abdominal, breast, musculoskeletal (MSK), and liver imaging is performed. By combining advanced AI features, cutting-edge transducers, and innovative liver diagnostic tools, this new system aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline workflows, and reduce physical strain for healthcare providers. Here’s an in-depth look at how Acuson Sequoia 3.5 is setting new standards in ultrasound technology.
The Star Feature: AI Abdomen
The AI Abdomen feature in Siemens Healthineers’ Acuson Sequoia 3.5 marks a pivotal advancement in abdominal imaging by integrating automation, precision, and ease of use. Its real-time capabilities automatically identify and label 17 anatomical views and calculate 12 critical measurements, significantly reducing the manual effort required for routine ultrasound exams. By automating these processes, the technology ensures consistent results, minimizing variability between users and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. This is particularly valuable in complex cases, where identifying abnormalities or monitoring disease progression requires precise and reliable data.
Designed with the needs of both clinicians and patients in mind, AI Abdomen addresses a common challenge in medical imaging—physical strain. By reducing sonographer hand movements by up to 89%, it alleviates the repetitive stress injuries often reported in the profession. Additionally, its efficiency translates to shorter exam durations, providing a less stressful experience for patients. For those experiencing pain or discomfort due to conditions such as kidney stones or tumors, the streamlined workflow enables quicker and more comfortable assessments, allowing clinicians to focus on patient care rather than manual tasks.
Beyond immediate usability, AI Abdomen supports long-term improvements in clinical practice. Its standardized protocols ensure accuracy across different operators, benefiting facilities with diverse teams or multi-site operations. For trainees, it acts as a built-in guide, offering a supportive learning environment and fostering confidence while maintaining diagnostic quality. As a forward-thinking innovation, the feature is also designed for future scalability, capable of integrating software updates to meet evolving healthcare needs. By merging cutting-edge technology with practical functionality, AI Abdomen not only improves diagnostic workflows but also enhances the overall experience for both patients and providers.
Game-Changing Advancements in Breast and MSK Imaging
The HLX transducer, Siemens Healthineers’ highest-frequency linear transducer, is a highlight of the Acuson Sequoia 3.5 system, offering unmatched precision for breast and MSK imaging:
- Breast Imaging:
- Equipped with next-generation 2D Shear Wave technology, the HLX transducer improves the detection of stiff breast lesions, reducing the likelihood of missed diagnoses.
- It combines deep penetration with high-resolution imaging to deliver a comprehensive view, ensuring clinicians have all the information needed for accurate diagnosis.
- MSK Imaging:
- Tailored for conditions such as tendon tears and inflammatory arthritis, this transducer captures both large and small structures with exceptional clarity.
- Its lightweight and narrow design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces while requiring less pressure during scans, reducing strain on both clinicians and patients.
Liver Diagnostics Reimagined
Liver disease has emerged as a growing public health concern, with conditions like fatty liver disease and fibrosis affecting millions worldwide. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) alone impacts nearly 25% of the global population, making early detection and management critical to reducing associated complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Siemens Healthineers addresses this pressing need with proprietary liver assessment tools in the Acuson Sequoia 3.5 system: Ultrasound Derived Fat Fraction (UDFF) and Auto Point Shear Wave Elastography (Auto pSWE). These tools provide clinicians with precise, non-invasive solutions to quantify liver fat and stiffness, enabling early diagnosis and informed treatment planning.
Ultrasound Derived Fat Fraction (UDFF) is a breakthrough in evaluating hepatic steatosis, a condition where excessive fat builds up in the liver. Hepatic steatosis is strongly associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, which are on the rise globally. By accurately measuring liver fat content, UDFF supports early intervention strategies to mitigate disease progression. Studies show that patients with untreated fatty liver disease are at risk of developing advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, conditions linked to significant morbidity and mortality. The ability to detect and quantify liver fat content in a quick, non-invasive scan simplifies diagnosis and helps guide lifestyle and therapeutic interventions.
Complementing UDFF is Auto Point Shear Wave Elastography (Auto pSWE), a technology that measures liver tissue stiffness to evaluate fibrosis progression. Fibrosis, characterized by the scarring of liver tissue, is a leading cause of liver failure, often progressing silently until the late stages. Auto pSWE provides critical insights by quantifying stiffness levels in real-time, allowing clinicians to identify early-stage fibrosis and tailor management plans accordingly.
Together, these tools eliminate the need for invasive biopsies, which can carry risks of complications and discomfort for patients. By delivering fast, accurate liver assessments in a single scan, the Acuson Sequoia 3.5 system empowers clinicians to combat liver disease with greater confidence and precision, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
What Makes Acuson Sequoia 3.5 Different?
This system isn’t just about technological upgrades—it’s about solving real-world challenges in healthcare:
- Efficiency Boost: By automating measurements and reducing manual tasks, Acuson Sequoia 3.5 allows clinicians to focus on critical aspects of patient care, increasing their productivity.
- Standardization Across Facilities: Variability in imaging results is a common challenge, especially in multi-user environments. Acuson Sequoia 3.5 ensures that exams produce consistent, high-quality outcomes no matter who is performing them.
- Clinician-Centric Design: From the lightweight HLX transducer to reduced motion requirements, every feature is designed with the comfort and well-being of healthcare professionals in mind.
- Patient-Centered Care: Whether it’s faster scans for patients in pain or advanced diagnostics for complex conditions, the system prioritizes the patient experience.
A Clinician’s Perspective
Dr. Adrian Lim, a professor of radiology at Imperial College London, shared his excitement about the system:
“The anatomy recognition and measurement capabilities of AI Abdomen simplify abdominal exams, while the image quality and ergonomics of the new HLX transducer are impressive.”
Ajay Gannerkote, President of Ultrasound at Siemens Healthineers, echoed this sentiment:
“With our focus on practical AI, we aim to enhance clinical workflows, improve the user experience, and deliver standardized diagnostic results that benefit patients worldwide.”
Availability and Accessibility
Acuson Sequoia 3.5 has received regulatory clearance, including FDA approval and CE marking, making it available in healthcare facilities around the globe. Its comprehensive features are expected to benefit a diverse range of clinical settings, from small clinics to large hospitals.
The Siemens Healthineers Acuson Sequoia 3.5 represents a significant advancement in medical imaging, leveraging artificial intelligence and ergonomic enhancements to improve diagnostic precision and streamline workflows. From routine abdominal scans to detailed liver assessments, this system addresses the evolving needs of healthcare providers and patients alike, offering a more efficient and standardized approach to ultrasound imaging.
Siemens Healthineers is a leading global medical technology company, headquartered in Erlangen, Germany. Siemens Healthineers serves over 70 countries and works with a wide range of healthcare institutions, from small clinics to large academic hospitals. It is part of the Siemens AG group and operates as a separate, publicly listed entity focused on developing innovative healthcare solutions. The company provides advanced technologies, services, and digital health solutions that support healthcare providers in improving patient outcomes, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing medical innovation.
