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Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | January 15, 2025
SimonMed Imaging has partnered with Siemens Healthineers to implement advanced liver screening technology across its U.S. locations.
The Scottsdale, Arizona-based imaging provider has integrated the ACUSON Sequoia ultrasound system, which features Ultrasound Derived Fat Fraction (UDFF) technology for the early detection and management of metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
Dr. John Simon, CEO and founder of SimonMed, highlighted the significance of this advancement: “Increased fat in the liver is mostly asymptomatic and may progress to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Personalized, accurate, quantitative, and noninvasive early detection screening with UDFF to initiate early treatment will help prevent chronic liver disease.”
The ACUSON Sequoia system quantifies liver tissue stiffness and hepatic fat in a single scan, offering a cost-effective alternative to MR-based proton density fat fraction (MR-PDFF) measurements.
SimonMed has installed the technology at multiple locations, including three in Arizona—Litchfield, Apache Junction, and Laveen; and two in Nevada—Centennial and Southwest.
“MASLD is the most common cause of chronic liver disease, yet fewer than 5% of people are aware of their disease," Siemens Healthineers Americas ultrasound business leader Travis Holles noted. "However, when detected early, liver disease is reversible. Knowing your UDFF number can be a powerful tool in addressing liver health.”
SimonMed, one of the largest outpatient imaging providers in the U.S., operates 170 locations across 11 states, offering an array of diagnostic imaging services. In November, the company entered an agreement to
purchase CureMetrix's cmAngio AI-powered mammography solution for its network of facilities around the U.S.
In May, SimonMed announced it was
installing GE HealthCare's SIGNA Premier 3T MR scanners at their outpatient centers in Goodyear and Gilbert, Arizona; Houston, Texas; and Tampa, Florida.
SimonMed
was acquired by American Securities for $600 million in 2021.