The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared a new artificial intelligence tool aimed at boosting the quality of prenatal ultrasound exams.
Paris, France-based developer Sonio announced the news on Wednesday, Aug. 2, claiming its technology could “revolutionize” imaging of expectant mothers.
The Sonio Detect utilizes AI aid users in automatically select views and anatomical structures, along with verifying quality criteria, during exams.
“Bringing the first easy-to-use, manufacturer-agnostic (GE, Samsung and Canon) and efficient quality control solution to all OBGYNs, [maternal fetal medicine specialists] and sonographers, we believe better screening will lead to better detection of potential anomalies or reassurance to provide better maternal care,” CEO and co-founder Cecile Brosset said in a prepared statement. “Our goal is to transform prenatal care by providing a reliable tool that ensures better health outcomes for both mothers and babies.”
The startup also recently raised $14 million in series A financing led by Cross Border Impact Ventures and the Elaia funds, with additional contributions from others. Brosset told Axios earlier this month that the money will help the company expand its team and further develop its AI product.
Sonio Detect was validated on over 17,000 ultrasound images, demonstrating 92% sensitivity on its ability to detect labels and types of US images, according to the announcement.
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.