Riverain Technologies‘ new ClearRead CT software for vessel suppression and nodule detection has been cleared by the FDA. While previous Riverain products all worked on conventional chest X-rays (and have since been rebranded ClearRead X-Ray), the company is now breaking new ground by applying advanced machine learning algorithms on lung CTs. ClearRead CT consists of two components: CT | Vessel Suppress and ClearRead CT | Detect.
ClearRead CT Vessel | Suppress uses machine learning and advanced modelling to suppress vascular structures as well as the bronchial tree and pulmonary fissures; essentially all normal structures, leaving only nodules in sight. The vessel suppression algorithm works with both contrast and non-contrast scans, and with both solid and non-solid nodules, including pure ground-glass nodules. It was designed to operate for nodules that are roughly spherical and at least 3mm in diameter. In a clinical study including thousands of actual nodules none of the nodules were removed, although as a consequence of a conservative approach there were some false positives. Therefore positive results are to be checked against the original scan to confirm the presence of a true nodule.
ClearRead CT | Detect takes this technology one step further, working on top of the vessel suppression component, detecting candidate nodules 5mm or larger using thresholding and morphological post-processing. Detected nodules are segmented and characterized, providing density, minimal and maximal diameters, and nodule volume. Consistent with vessel suppression some false positives are expected.
In a multi-reader, multi-case clinical trial ClearRead CT helped radiologists achieve a 29% reduction in missed actionable nodules, while reducing reading time by 26%. The software is compatible with all CT scanners from all vendors and is available for sale in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Press release: FDA clears way for ClearRead CT Software…
Product page: Riverain ClearRead CT…