GE HealthCare Unveils New Cardiac CT System and Launches Coronary Radiotracer

GE HealthCare has made significant strides in cardiovascular imaging technology, announcing two major developments at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology in Chicago. The company has introduced a new CT scanner specifically designed for cardiac imaging and launched a novel PET imaging agent for coronary artery disease diagnosis.

Revolution Vibe: Advanced Cardiac CT Scanner

GE HealthCare's latest offering, the Revolution Vibe CT scanner, represents a leap forward in cardiac imaging capabilities. The system features what the company calls "unlimited one-beat cardiac imaging," allowing for low-dose, full-organ images to be captured rapidly enough to assess moving valves and clogged arteries across the beating heart.

Jean-Luc Procaccini, President and CEO of Molecular Imaging and Computed Tomography at GE HealthCare, emphasized the system's potential impact: "The system is designed to encourage the broader adoption of and access to cardiac imaging, combining advanced technology with AI-powered solutions to deliver fast, accurate diagnoses and a more comfortable patient experience."

The Revolution Vibe aims to expand access to cardiac CT angiography (CCTA), a technique used to diagnose coronary artery disease and often employed as a first-line tool for patients with chest pain. The system has already received CE Mark approval in Europe and is currently under review by the FDA.

Flyrcado: New PET Imaging Agent for Coronary Artery Disease

Alongside the Revolution Vibe, GE HealthCare announced the U.S. commercial launch of Flyrcado, a fluorine-18 radiotracer for PET imaging of coronary artery disease. Approved by the FDA in fall 2024, Flyrcado promises higher diagnostic efficacy compared to single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and traditional myocardial perfusion imaging techniques.

The launch of Flyrcado is timely, coinciding with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) granting passthrough payment status effective April 1, 2025. This status includes a drug-specific billing code allowing separate payment for the radiopharmaceutical and PET-CT scan in outpatient settings, potentially improving accessibility for patients.

Strategic Expansion in Radiopharmaceuticals

In a move to strengthen its position in the radiopharmaceutical market, GE HealthCare has completed the acquisition of Japanese radiopharmaceutical manufacturer Nihon Medi-Physics. This acquisition, initially announced in December 2024, consolidates GE HealthCare's ownership of the previously joint venture with Sumitomo Chemical.

These developments underscore GE HealthCare's commitment to advancing cardiovascular imaging technology and expanding its footprint in the rapidly evolving field of precision diagnostics. As the company continues to innovate, healthcare providers and patients alike stand to benefit from improved diagnostic capabilities and potentially better outcomes in cardiovascular care.