iSono Health’s ATUSA is the “world’s first AI-driven portable and automated 3D breast ultrasound scanner.” Its use will be especially relevant to patients and physicians at the point of care.
According to the research organization Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), about 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, of which 685,000 died. A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 14 seconds in the world and breast cancer represents 12% of all new cancer cases and 25% of all cancers in women.
Although this disease is the most common cancer in women both in the developed world and in poorer countries, mortality is higher in the latter. Limited resources for treatment play a part in this, as well as the lack of early disease diagnosis. Routine screening plays a vital role in breast cancer prevention and ultrasound has proved effective as an adjunct to mammography.
Ten to 15 Times Faster Than Manual Scanning
The iSono Health’s ATUSA makes 3D breast ultrasound imaging more accessible for patients and physicians at the point of care—something that is especially significant in poorer countries. The system consists of a 3D ultrasound scanner, a wearable accessory, a Windows application (desktop or tablet, with Windows 7 or higher) for real-time image display, review and measurement, and a secure web application for remote viewing including advanced 3D visualization.
The wearable accessory is attached to the patient who lies on her back. The operator then adjusts the breast tissue, applies coupling medium and attaches the 3D scanner. When the startup is completed, the scanning procedure can be initiated via the ATUSA software at the press of a button to automatically scan the whole breast volume without the need for radiologists or ultrasound technicians.
This takes around two minutes. Then the process can be repeated on the other breast. As a result, a full scan can be carried out in four minutes which is 10 to 15 times faster than conventional manual scanning.
Secure Cloud Storage
This technology’s consistent accuracy of comprehensive 3D scanning and lesion localization is on par with that of the best ultrasound specialists. It provides real-time 2D image visualization and advanced 3D whole breast visualization as well as lesion localization in radial, coronal, sagittal and transverse views.
To further enhance convenience and efficiency, the ATUSA system connects to a tablet or a laptop via USB and does not require any internet connection. Acquired images are saved locally in the device and are automatically backed up to a HIPAA-compliant secure cloud storage facility when connected to the internet. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) exists to regulate the use and disclosure of protected health information.
By capturing the entire breast volume and allowing for unlimited breast ultrasound imaging at the point of care, ATUSA’s proprietary scan method allows physicians to have advanced 3D visualization available at their fingertips, further enhancing confidence in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients.
A Combination of Automated Ultrasound and AI
The system’s hardware and software are designed from the ground up to seamlessly integrate with machine learning, providing the physician with a comprehensive set of tools for diagnosis and patient management.
Maryam Ziaei, PhD, Founder and CEO iSono Health, said:
“We are transforming breast cancer screening by combining automated ultrasound and artificial intelligence (AI) to empower women and physicians with accessible and personalized breast health monitoring.
ATUSA’s wearable accessory and intuitive user interface ensure fast, easy and comfortable image acquisition. Scans only take one to two minutes per breast and make breast imaging painless and convenient for patient and practitioner—finally!”
At this year’s Arab Health Summit, iSono Health won the Innov8 competition for its device. The company also announced a partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel Health which will make its ATUSA scanner available for distribution in an initial 31 countries across the Global South—covering the Middle East and North Africa, Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Physicians, women’s health clinics and other relevant healthcare professionals can already access the device by registering for a free demo and/or their interest to participate in the ATUSA program. The ATUSA System is currently only available for trial use and is not yet available on general sale.
