RIVANNA has announced the launch of the first multisite study using its Accuro XV musculoskeletal imaging system, a portable ultrasound device designed for emergency department (ED) use.

The Charlottesville, Virginia-based company received $30.5 million in funding from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in 2023, which enabled the study's development.

The study, enrolling 200 participants, aims to evaluate the Accuro XV's ability to diagnose fractures and soft tissue injuries quickly, without the need for radiation. The device combines ultrasound-based bone imaging with AI-enabled software to provide automated, volumetric assessments at the point of care. This approach could reduce reliance on X-rays for low-acuity injuries, especially in cases where fractures are less common, such as the lower leg, where only 8% to 19% of patients experience fractures, according to The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery.
"Since October 2021, we have quickly progressed from design to proof of concept in clinical sites, thanks to our collaboration with BARDA," said Delphine Le Roux, director of program management at RIVANNA. The system is intended to streamline ED workflows by enabling faster diagnosis and potentially reducing wait times for patients with minor injuries.

The study began at UVA Health and expanded to The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where Parkland Memorial Hospital, one of the nation's busiest EDs, treats over 240,000 patients annually. Researchers will focus on how well the system integrates into clinical settings and its diagnostic accuracy.

The project is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through BARDA, under contract 75A50121C00035.

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