FDA approves industry's first hands-free interventional X-ray system
A newly approved interventional radiology system has the potential to significantly improve procedural workflows.
That’s thanks to its voice recognition capabilities, which give providers the ability to maneuver the system and view images hands-free. United Imaging—a leader in manufacturing medical imaging equipment—announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of uAngio AVIVA earlier this week, highlighting the system’s potential to improve patient care.
"Our goal is to allow the staff's focus to remain on the patient," Vice President of United Imaging’s X-ray portfolio in the U.S., Edgar Alvarez, said in the announcement. "We hone in on that by giving them an intuitive user experience, streamlined workflows, and fantastic image quality at low dose."
Combined with its voice recognition, the 8-axis ceiling-mounted robotic system’s proprietary AI algorithms help speed interventional procedure workflows while also limiting radiation exposure for both patients and providers. It provides flexible full suite coverage and tableside access for providers and is well equipped for an array of exams spanning from routine pain-reducing procedures to more strenuous cardiology and neurology interventions.
The new system was built with the help of radiology staff and patients who have undergone interventional procedures, according to the CEO of United Imaging Healthcare North America, Jeffrey M. Bundy, PhD.
"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,” Bundy said. “It is exciting to continue bringing industry firsts to healthcare."
Learn more about the new voice activated system here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.