GE Healthcare Japan Launches AI-Enhanced Vscan Air SL Ally Device for Ultrasound Diagnosis

GE Healthcare Japan Introduces the Vscan Air SL Ally

On September 19, 2025, GE Healthcare Japan announced the launch of the Vscan Air SL Ally, the latest addition to its Vscan ultrasound series. This compact and portable device is the first in the series to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) features, designed to enhance cardiac ultrasound examinations and provide better diagnostic accuracy.

Evolution of the Vscan Series

Since its introduction to the Japanese market in 2010, the Vscan series has revolutionized the way ultrasound examinations are conducted by offering a non-invasive, easily portable diagnostic tool that can be used in various settings. The series has sold over 15,000 units in Japan alone, thanks to its convenience and ease of access. In 2021, GE Healthcare further improved the technology by introducing wireless capabilities. The newest model, Vscan Air SL Ally, now integrates two advanced AI functionalities.

Key AI Features of Vscan Air SL Ally

The Vscan Air SL Ally comes equipped with two innovative AI features aimed at supporting cardiac ultrasound procedures: the Cardiac Guidance feature and the Cardiac Interpretation feature.

1. Cardiac Guidance Feature: This feature provides real-time assistance to operators during the examination by guiding them on the probe's position, angle, rib interspace manipulation, and depth on the screen. It ensures high-quality image acquisition, helping to mitigate the operator's skill dependency. Additionally, the image quality indicator assesses whether the optimal scanning image is obtained. When high-quality images are recognized, they can be saved automatically by maintaining the probe in a specific position for a duration.

2. Cardiac Interpretation Feature: Utilizing high-quality images acquired through Cardiac Guidance, this feature automatically calculates the Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF). It employs a deep learning algorithm based on over 50,000 cardiac ultrasound images to replicate the estimation abilities of experienced interpreters. The feature has been verified to achieve results comparable to seasoned experts, enabling measurements in as little as three seconds and improving accuracy by referencing up to three different sections. This capability not only enhances diagnostic speed but also maintains quality, marking a significant advancement in cardiac ultrasound solutions.

Addressing Medical Challenges in Japan

As Japan faces an increasing number of heart failure patients due to an aging population, the demand for home healthcare services is expected to peak in the next 15 years. This will elevate the need for cardiac ultrasound among primary care providers, such as general practitioners and home care doctors. Despite its essential role in early detection of concealed heart failure, the quality of cardiac ultrasound remains heavily dependent on the operator's skill, leading to long-standing challenges such as inter-operator variability.

According to GE Healthcare's research, about 10% of primary care physicians and home care providers are not confident in performing cardiac ultrasounds, stirring concerns regarding their underutilization in routine clinical settings.

The introduction of the Vscan Air SL Ally, aptly named to reflect its role as a supportive ally for medical professionals, is expected to raise the quality and accuracy of cardiac ultrasound examinations, ultimately benefiting a larger number of healthcare settings.

Product Specifications

- Product Name: General-purpose ultrasound imaging diagnostic device - Vscan Air
- Medical Device Certification Number: 303ACBZX00012000

The Vscan series includes various models, with Vscan Air SL Ally being equipped with additional AI options from Caption Health.

About GE Healthcare Japan

Founded in 1982, GE Healthcare Japan serves as a core hub for GE Healthcare, focusing on providing solutions that cover the entire continuum of care, from prevention to diagnosis and beyond. With about 1,500 employees across 60 business locations in Japan, the company is dedicated to addressing diverse healthcare challenges through intelligent devices and data analytics.

For more information, please visit GE Healthcare's website.