Summary: Subtle Medical’s SubtleSYNTH software, cleared by the FDA, uses deep learning to create synthetic STIR images from T1 and T2 contrasts, speeds up MRI acquisition, and is validated for spinal imaging, with plans for expansion funded by a $2.3 million National Institutes of Health grant.

Key Takeaways

  1. FDA Clearance and Deep Learning: Subtle Medical’s SubtleSYNTH software, which uses deep learning to create synthetic STIR images from T1 and T2 contrasts, has received U.S. FDA clearance.
  2. Efficiency and Validation: SubtleSYNTH, in conjunction with SubtleMR software, speeds up MRI image acquisition by up to 60%, generates synthetic STIR images with zero acquisition time, and has been validated for spinal imaging in a study published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology.
  3. Funding and Future Expansion: Subtle Medical received a $2.3 million National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research grant in 2023 to expand SubtleSYNTH technology to brain and musculoskeletal imaging, aiming to enhance MRI speed and quality.

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Subtle Medical announces U.S. FDA clearance for its SubtleSYNTH software, which uses deep learning to create synthetic short tau inversion recovery (STIR) images from existing T1- and T2-weighted contrasts.

SubtleSYNTH works with SubtleMR software to speed up MRI image acquisition by up to 60% on any scanner. It generates synthetic STIR images with zero acquisition time, matching conventional STIR images. A study published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology validated its use for spinal imaging.

Expanding SubtleSYNTH Technology

Subtle Medical was awarded a $2.3 million National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research grant in 2023 to continue the expansion of the SubtleSYNTH technology. The company has plans to expand the technology to brain and musculoskeletal imaging in future releases. By using more data to enable even better quality and faster imaging, Subtle’s suite of imaging solutions will redefine what’s possible for the speed and quality of MRI imaging.

“As we continue to explore the evolving landscape of AI-based diagnostic imaging, our focus remains on developing innovative solutions that set us apart. SubtleSYNTH represents a significant advancement by reducing acquisition time for a common MRI sequence to zero, enhancing operational efficiency,” says Ajit Shankaranarayanan, chief product officer at Subtle Medical. 

“We believe this software will offer substantial time savings for both new and existing scanners, reduce the need for rescans due to motion artifacts, and ease the workload on radiologists and technologists, ultimately improving patient care,” Shankaranarayanan adds.

Boosting MRI Quality

Josh Gurewitz, chief commercial officer at Subtle Medical, also spoke out about the software, commenting: “These innovations are poised to not only redefine the landscape of diagnostic imaging, but also simplify the ever-increasing complexity of workflows faced by technologists and radiologists alike. With the attainment of FDA clearance, we mark a new era of MRI quality and efficiency.  We will eagerly begin to deploy this valuable new tool to customers to help them realize maximum potential of improved quality and care.”