ScanNav Anatomy Peripheral Nerve Block
Overview
ScanNav Anatomy Peripheral Nerve Block is an AI-powered software medical device developed by Intelligent Ultrasound Limited. As of October 2024, the Clinical AI business, including this tool, was acquired by GE HealthCare and is now part of their ultrasound portfolio. The device is designed to assist qualified healthcare professionals, particularly anesthetists, in performing Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia (UGRA) procedures. It utilizes deep learning artificial intelligence (AI) to provide a real-time color overlay on live B-mode ultrasound images, highlighting relevant anatomical structures such as nerves, arteries, and bones. This technology aims to enhance the accuracy and standardization of ultrasound image interpretation, making UGRA techniques easier to learn and perform with greater safety and precision. ScanNav Anatomy PNB connects as an accessory to compatible general-purpose diagnostic ultrasound systems and supports the identification of anatomical structures for multiple common peripheral nerve blocks, including femoral blocks. It also offers 3D models and animations for reference and provides tips to improve access to each nerve. The device has demonstrated potential to support non-experts in training and clinical practice, and experts in teaching UGRA, ultimately aiding the uptake and generalizability of these techniques and improving patient access to regional anesthesia.
Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD — Interventional Radiologist
Key Features
- Real-time AI-powered color overlay on ultrasound images
- Highlights relevant anatomical structures for peripheral nerve blocks (nerves, arteries, bones)
- Aids in ultrasound image interpretation
- Provides side-by-side images of live ultrasound feed with and without AI annotations
- Displays 3D models and animations for reference
- Offers tips to improve access to each nerve
- Supports multiple peripheral nerve block regions (initially 9, expanded to 10 including femoral nerve blocks)
- Connects to compatible diagnostic ultrasound systems
- Designed to enhance accuracy and standardization of ultrasound image interpretation
- Utilizes deep learning artificial intelligence technology
Use Cases
- Assisting anesthetists in performing Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia (UGRA)
- Training and teaching UGRA techniques for non-experts and experts
- Improving patient access to regional anesthesia
- Reducing risk of nerve block failure and needle trauma
- Pain relief after surgery and trauma
- Alternative to general anesthesia
What Physicians Need to Know
ScanNav Anatomy Peripheral Nerve Block is particularly beneficial for clinicians performing ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA), especially those who may perform these procedures less frequently or are in training. The real-time anatomical highlighting and 3D reference models can significantly enhance confidence and accuracy during nerve block injections. It can also serve as an effective teaching tool, aiding in the interpretation of complex ultrasound images and potentially improving patient outcomes by reducing the risk of block failure and needle trauma.
The current ScanNav Anatomy Peripheral Nerve Block operates as a standalone accessory, connecting directly to compatible general-purpose diagnostic ultrasound systems. Intelligent Ultrasound is actively pursuing partnerships and licensing agreements with major ultrasound manufacturers to integrate this AI technology directly into their scanners, which could lead to more seamless workflow integration in the future.
Details
| Category | Radiology & Imaging AI, Surgical AI |
| Pricing | Not publicly available. — Not publicly available. |
| Deployment | Standalone device that can be plugged into compatible general-purpose diagnostic ultrasound systems. |
| Compliance | |
| BAA Available | Unknown AI-estimated |
| HIPAA Compliant | Unknown AI-estimated |
| FDA Status |
Yes AI-estimated The FDA granted 510(k) clearance (K232787) on October 06, 2023, for ScanNav Anatomy Peripheral Nerve Block, indicating it assists qualified healthcare professionals in identifying and labeling anatomical structures in live ultrasound images for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia procedures. The Clinical AI business, including this tool, was subsequently acquired by GE HealthCare in October 2024. |
| Integrations | |
| EHR | Not specified |
| Specialties | Anesthesiology, Interventional Radiology, Physical Medicine & Rehab |
What the Web Says
ScanNav Anatomy Peripheral Nerve Block is an AI-powered software medical device that assists healthcare professionals in identifying anatomical structures during ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) procedures. It provides a real-time color overlay on live ultrasound images, highlighting relevant nerves, arteries, and other structures. The device is intended for use by qualified healthcare professionals, particularly those who may perform UGRA less frequently, to improve accuracy and confidence.
Overall: PositiveStrengths
- Assists in the identification of key anatomical structures for peripheral nerve blocks.
- Improves confidence of practitioners, especially non-experts, during UGRA scanning.
- Can be used as a training tool for both non-experts and for experts supervising trainees.
- Associated with an increase in the number of UGRA procedures performed without compromising quality of care.
- Reduces the risk of nerve block failure and needle trauma to surrounding anatomy.
- Plugs into existing general-purpose ultrasound machines.
Limitations
- Not intended as a standalone diagnostic device; operator's clinical judgment remains paramount.
- Considered MR Unsafe.
- Potential for error exists with AI systems, and operator dependence on the technology could be a concern.
- Some experts provided negative feedback more frequently than non-experts.
- Only indicated for patients 18 years of age or older.
Based on reviews from: accessdata.fda.gov, PMC, IP Group, FierceBiotech, intelligentultrasound.com, ESRA, YouTube, Anesthesiology News, Medimaging.net, ResearchGate, Oxford University Research Archive, Medical Device Network, ClinicalTrials.gov, AuntMinnie, Slashdot
Last updated: 2026-07-18
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