COMPUTER VISION

The RSNA Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting is without a doubt the most important week in radiology—convening thought leaders for learning, connection, and collaboration. Held at Chicago’s McCormick Place, November 26-30, the event drew more than 24,000 attendees.

Now in its 109th year, the RSNA conference is the most important and largest event of its kind. The gathering gives radiology professionals and scientists from around the world the opportunity to catch up on the latest scientific developments and research, exchange ideas, and connect with peers. A packed five-day schedule featured more than 600 exhibitors, 400 educational courses and scientific sessions, and 3,500 scientific papers.

A wide breadth of topics was covered, including the latest research in generative AI, sustainability in imaging, and imaging of immunotherapy. Other areas comprised advances in mammography and breast screening, prostate screening, MRI brain scanning, cardiac and chest imaging, and state-of-the-art Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging.

Not surprisingly, AI-related topics featured prominently at the event, which included an AI showcase. Advances in AI are driving profound change in the field of radiology. In fact, the event’s theme “Leading Through Change” shone a spotlight on how radiology professionals can make deliberate, proactive decisions to lead their teams as the field of radiology continues to evolve.

As #radiology undergoes change, the community is focused on how to leverage #technology and scientific advances while at the same time ensuring equitable access to #healthcare for everyone. @RSNA via @insightdottech

Healthcare Equity

As radiology undergoes change, the community is focused on how to leverage technology and scientific advances while at the same time ensuring equitable access to healthcare for everyone. RSNA has made a strong commitment to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).

“We believe that every person can support our mission to improve patient care—no matter their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, race, ethnicity, religion or other characteristics,” RSNA affirms their stance on DEI and healthcare equity.

Some of the annual meeting’s sessions dealt with DEI, providing information to attendees on changes they can make at their organizations to ensure they serve all patient populations. For instance, in one vendor workshop, GE HealthCare, a leading provider of medical imaging, monitoring, biomanufacturing, and other technologies, presented “Implementing portable ultrasound for breast cancer triage in the US and underserved communities worldwide”.

On the Forefront of Women’s Healthcare

With 13 booths and more than 600 sessions, GE HealthCare undoubtedly had a substantial presence at RSNA, with a great focus on women’s health. The company’s “AI decision support for Breast and Thyroid Ultrasound” addressed how recent AI developments are likely to streamline workflow and increase clinical confidence.

In fact, breast cancer, which in the U.S. affects one in eight women, was a widely covered topic across the entire event. Siemens Healthineers, a company that enables providers through digitalizing healthcare, presented “A practical approach to Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) interpretation”, followed by an interactive case review.

Treatments for another form of cancer—prostate cancer—also got a fair share of attention as it ranks as the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the U.S. The Siemens Healthineers’ session “A practical approach to Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) interpretation” presented a series of cases in this hands-on review.

The Hardware Essentials

Underlying the plethora of AI-powered healthcare breakthroughs is the medical-grade equipment that supports them, from all-in-one computers to OR surgical monitors. Advantech Co., Ltd., a provider of computing systems and other medical devices, demonstrated state-of-the-art hardware designed for many hospital environments and use cases: video management, all-in-one recording solutions, video archiving and screening, and surgical monitors.

For example, the company showcased its Intel^® processor-powered USM-500 medical-grade edge server that provides a cost-effective and scalable solution for edge-to-HIS applications. Also on display were the PAX-3 series medical-grade, versatile surgical monitors with IP65 front-panel waterproofing and medical safety approval. There was much more to see in the company’s booth, including Advantech’s AMiS-30EP Pole Cart—yet another essential hospital tool.

Something for Everyone

For attendees looking to roll up their sleeves and take part in competitions, the game show “Oncology Imaging and Interventions: The Radiology Jeopardy” was an entertaining learning opportunity. The show wasn’t just about the most innovative technology and solution breakthroughs. The 5K Fun Run helped improve patient care by supporting research and education in radiology through the RSNA Research & Education Foundation. And with happy hours, social events, and plenty of networking opportunities, the RSNA annual meeting was most definitely the radiology event of the year.

For more on healthcare innovations, listen to our podcast Revolutionizing Cancer Research with Healthcare AI Tools and read the article Virtual Collaboration in Ultrasound Advances Clinical Care.
 

Edited by Georganne Benesch, Editorial Director for insight.tech.