FDA Grants 510(k) Clearance for Dose-Reducing Capability of Emerging Noise Cancellation Technology

Separating noise from an image without affecting the quality of the image has been a longtime challenge for radiologists. However, an emerging technology may provide a solution to this dilemma.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance to the dose reduction capabilities of Carestream Health’s Smart Noise Cancellation (SNC) technology, according to the manufacturer.

Traditional noise reduction for medical imaging can lead to blurring that may obscure key anatomical detail and reduce the sharpness of the image. Carestream Health said the artificial intelligence (AI)-based SNC technology enables radiologists to ensure optimal contrast-to-noise ratios while preserving image quality and anatomical detail.

“Our AI-powered Smart Noise Cancellation gives radiologists another important tool to adjust the amount of noise cancellation and exposure to meet the desired imaging quality to aid their diagnosis,” noted Ron Muscosky, a worldwide product line manager at Carestream Health.

The SNC technology is currently available on the Carestream Health’s DRX-Evolution and DRX-Evolution Plus systems. The company added that the combination of SNC technology with Carestream Health’s SmartGrid software may enhance grid-less imaging. The SNC technology may be particularly beneficial for imaging in younger populations, according to Muscosky.

“This improved capability to optimize radiation dose will be especially valuable in neonatal and pediatric diagnostic imaging where imaging at the lowest possible dose is crucial for young patients,” said Muscosky.