Cincinnati Children's and GE HealthCare Partner to Transform Pediatric Imaging
Cincinnati, Friday, 11 April 2025.
Cincinnati Children’s and GE HealthCare collaborate to revolutionize pediatric imaging, focusing on enhanced diagnostic tools to improve clinical outcomes. This initiative aims to set new standards in pediatric healthcare.
Groundbreaking Innovation Hub
In a pioneering move for pediatric healthcare, Cincinnati Children’s and GE HealthCare are establishing the nation’s first pediatric Care Innovation Hub [1]. This strategic collaboration brings together clinicians, researchers, scientists, and engineers to advance innovation across multiple imaging modalities, including MRI, ultrasound, molecular imaging, and CT [1]. Dr. Andrew Trout, Director of Clinical Research at Cincinnati Children’s Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, emphasizes that this partnership will extend benefits far beyond their own health system [1].
Pediatric-First Approach
The initiative marks a significant departure from traditional medical imaging development. According to Dr. Brian Coley, Radiologist-in-Chief at Cincinnati Children’s, rather than adapting adult-focused technology for pediatric use, this collaboration enables the development of imaging solutions specifically designed for children from the outset [1]. This approach is particularly crucial as children present unique imaging challenges due to their varying sizes and specific positioning requirements [1].
Technical Innovations in Development
The research program encompasses several cutting-edge developments in medical imaging technology. Key focus areas include the development and testing of high-density MR coil arrays specifically sized for children, and the advancement of specialized imaging techniques to address pediatric-specific challenges [1]. In ultrasound technology, the collaboration will engage with both radiology and cardiology departments to enhance data collection capabilities [1]. The partnership also aims to evaluate emerging technologies in positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, with a focus on treatment plan personalization [1].
Global Impact and Future Prospects
The collaboration leverages Cincinnati Children’s status as one of America’s top-ranked children’s hospitals [1] with GE HealthCare’s extensive medical technology expertise. According to Erin Angel, GE HealthCare’s Vice President of Research & Scientific Affairs, this partnership aligns with their priority of expanding access to precision care technologies [1]. The initiative includes plans to optimize and automate CT workflows specifically for pediatric patients, with the goal of disseminating best practices globally [1].