23.01.2025

AI Head project of CleverHealth Network showcased at the RSNA radiology event in Chicago

The most significant annual event in radiology, RSNA 2024 (Radiological Society of North America), was held at the beginning of December in Chicago. At the conference bringing together radiology experts and equipment manufacturers, the CleverHealth Network's AI Head project took the stage, presented by neurosurgeon Miikka Korja from HUS Helsinki University Hospital. The project has developed and piloted a groundbreaking algorithm package for identifying brain haemorrhages. The research phase of the project has now been completed, and it is moving towards commercialisation under the leadership of CGI.

Sonja Pietilä from CGI's public sector business unit is leading the commercialisation of the AI Head project in collaboration with HUS. She also attended the RSNA event with Miikka Korja. In addition to Miikka Korja's AI Head presentation, the project gained visibility through collaboration with CGI USA and was showcased at the stand of Planmed. Sonja Pietilä emphasises the importance of the RSNA event for networking and international collaboration opportunities. "The event opened doors particularly towards major public healthcare players, and discussions with potential partners were very interesting," Pietilä says. Miikka Korja adds: "Companies developing head imaging algorithms have grown exponentially since last year's event, but those interested in algorithms need more validation methods to determine their functionality. The potential in this field is significant, and entering the US market may be easier compared to Europe, as US regulations are not as demanding as in Europe."

Sonja Pietilä and Miikka Korja were convinced that the AI Head project fares really well among its competitors showcased at the event and believe that the developed solution has great potential internationally. Miikka Korja wants to highlight the uniqueness of the AI Head project: "We have combined clinical and technical expertise with commercialisation know-how in a way that gives us a strong competitive edge. Our goal is to bring a rapidly functioning product to the market, which can be further developed based on user feedback if necessary."

The AI Head project has moved into the piloting phase at HUS, where it has been integrated into the daily work of radiologists as a parallel process. The pilot involves three hospitals and 17 doctors specialising in radiology. "Results from pilots can be expected at the beginning of 2025, and scientific articles will also be published," Miikka Korja anticipates. The algorithm developed in the AI Head project is intended to be used in situations where a radiologist may seek confirmation from the algorithm for uncertain diagnoses.

Through the AI Head project, CGI has gained valuable expertise in developing AI algorithms and knowledge of the various market players. Sonja Pietilä believes that the lessons learned from the project will be beneficial for other company projects in the future. Additionally, RSNA 2024 reinforced the confidence of the AI Head project team to proceed towards commercialisation and internationalisation. "We are getting ready to offer our solution to a broader audience," Sonja Pietilä concludes.

Listen to more on the topic:
https://youtu.be/BwH48BqhmV0