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New Research Collaboration Takes Aim at Brain Aneurysms with Artificial Intelligence

News facts:
  • An Australian initiative between Fujitsu, GE Healthcare, Macquarie University, and Macquarie Medical Imaging leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to detect brain aneurysms faster and more efficiently.
  • Solution will help overcome the significant challenge to rapidly and accurately detect and monitor brain aneurysms, with often very limited time to review each case.
  • Brain aneurysms are present in at least 2 per cent of adults globally.
  • The project has received AU$2.1M in funding from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.
Sydney, August 09, 2019 – Fujitsu Australia, GE Healthcare, Macquarie University and Macquarie Medical Imaging today announced a new research collaboration to improve brain aneurysm diagnoses.The project is focused on developing a solution that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and monitor brain aneurysms on scans faster and more efficiently.

The project has already received a Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) grant of AU$2.1M from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.

Brain aneurysms are a common disorder caused by a weakness in the wall of a brain artery. Aneurysms are present in between two and eight per cent of adults1, with multiple aneurysms in more than 10 per cent of these people1. Rupture of an aneurysm causes brain haemorrhage in 85 per cent of cases2, leading to death in 30-40 per cent of people and 20 per cent permanent disability in those who survive3.

Fujitsu will lead the initiative and leverage its AI and digital solutions capability through its dedicated innovation team in Australia. GE Healthcare will contribute through its leading medical imaging technology. Macquarie University and Macquarie Medical Imaging will provide clinical expertise for the development and testing of the technology. Initially the project will focus on refining the technology with a view to creating a fully commercialised solution that will be distributed initially through radiology practices in Australia and eventually on a worldwide basis.

Mike Foster, Chief Executive Officer of Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand, said: “We are pleased to be part of this important ‘co-creation’ initative that leverages the strengths of each of our partners, as well as Fujitsu’s experience in AI to have a positive impact on peoples’ lives. AI in particular has the capability to make our daily lives more comfortable and contribute to solving difficult problems such as detecting serious medical issues early and allowing more timely treatment intervention. This is an excellent demonstration of Fujitsu’s commitment to creating human-centric innovation together with our customers and partners to build a trusted future where everyone can feel safe.”

Matt Tucker, President and CEO GE Healthcare Australia & New Zealand, comments, “As the consequences of brain aneurysm rupture are often fatal, effective and expedient detection is crucial. Unfortunately screening and monitoring takes time and specialist expertise not afforded by every radiology practice. The application of AI can give doctors better insights more quickly and produce fewer variable results. We are proud to be part of this program that will transform brain aneurysm diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.”

Professor Patrick McNeil, Deputy Vice Chancellor Medicine and Health and Executive Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, said, “This is an excellent example of the MQ Health model of “Heal, Learn and Discover” in action with industry. Macquarie University, with its own hospital and clinical expertise is well placed to actively contribute to the development of applied medical innovations and welcomes the opportunity to work with leading information technology, healthcare and diagnostic companies such as Fujitsu, GE Healthcare and Macquarie Medical Imaging.”

Professor John Magnussen, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist at Macquarie Medical Imaging, said, “This is an amazing opportunity to be able to address the problem of the rapid and accurate diagnosis of brain aneurysms. Even in ideal circumstances, detecting brain aneurysms is time and expertise intensive and missed aneurysms can have terrible outcomes. By creating an AI assistant to automatically flag potential aneurysms and allow for accurate follow-up, we can make a huge difference to patient care."

As a part of the project, Fujitsu will apply AI methods to images of the brain generated by GE’s Revolution CT scanner, and use a specifically-trained algorithm to look for abnormalities and aneurysms.

Outcomes from this project are anticipated to include the development and validation of an AI algorithm capable of highlighting blood vessels within the circle of Willis, an arterial ring sited at the base of the brain, that may have one or more aneurysms. This technology will also allow the tracking of identified aneurysms over time, providing radiologists with a valuable diagnostic support tool and patients with greater peace of mind that known aneurysms are being effectively monitored over the long term.

A second element to the project will include a planning tool for surgical (stent) intervention. This tool will use fluid dynamic modelling to predict the risk of aneurysm rupture.

Notes to editors:

  1. Vlak MH, Algra A, Brandenburg R, Rinkel GJ. Prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms, with emphasis on sex, age, comorbidity, country, and time period: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Neurol 2011;10:626–636.
  2. van Gijn J, Kerr RS, Rinkel GJ. Subarachnoid haemorrhage. Lancet 2007;369:306–318.
  3. Nieuwkamp DJ, Setz LE, Algra A, Linn FH, de Rooij NK, Rinkel GJ. Changes in case fatality of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage over time, according to age, sex, and region: a meta-analysis. Lancet Neurol 2009;8:635–642.
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About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 132,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.0 trillion yen (US $36 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.

About Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand

Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand is a leading service provider of business, information technology and communications solutions. We partner with our customers to consult, design, build, operate and support business solutions. From strategic consulting to application and infrastructure solutions and services, Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand have earned a reputation as the single supplier of choice for leading corporate and government organisations. Fujitsu Australia Limited and Fujitsu New Zealand Limited are wholly owned subsidiaries of Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702). See www.fujitsu.com/au.

About GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare is the $19.8 billion healthcare business of GE (NYSE: GE). As a leading provider of medical imaging, monitoring, biomanufacturing, and cell and gene therapy technologies, GE Healthcare enables precision health in diagnostics, therapeutics and monitoring through intelligent devices, data analytics, applications and services. With over 100 years of experience in the healthcare industry and more than 50,000 employees globally, the company helps improve outcomes more efficiently for patients, healthcare providers, researchers and life sciences companies around the world. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and The Pulse for latest news, or visit our website https://corporate.gehealthcare.com/ for more information.

About Macquarie University

Macquarie University was established in 1964 as an initiative built to break from traditions. Uniquely located in the heart of Australia’s largest high-tech precinct, Macquarie University campus spans 126 hectares, bringing together 40,000 students and 2000 staff in one thriving hub of discovery. Macquarie University’s research is leading the way in ground-breaking discoveries, and the academics are at the forefront of innovation, embracing the opportunity to tackle the big issues of our time. The research is inspired by a deep understanding of disciplinary fundamentals in a context that is responsive to the needs of society at levels of both problem selection and research project design. Recognised internationally, Macquarie University is consistently ranked amongst the top universities in the world and in Australia. Visit our website https://www.mq.edu.au/ for more information.

About Macquarie Medical Imaging

Macquarie Medical Imaging is a joint venture between Macquarie Connect Pty Ltd, Cyclopharm and Macquarie University. Macquarie Medical Imaging is a fully-integrated radiology practice based in the Macquarie University Hospital. Through active participation in research, first class imaging equipment, and a team of specialists and subspecialists to ensure expert interpretation, Macquarie Medical Imaging’s purpose is to lead the way in medical imaging. Visit our website https://www.mqmi.com.au for more information.

Media contacts

Collin Duff-Tytler
Marketing Programs and Communications Manager
Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand

Phone: Phone: +61 2 9113 9346
Mobile: Mobile: +61 409 953 349
E-mail: E-mail: collin.duff-tytler@au.fujitsu.com

GE Healthcare
Alma Dayawon
Communications Leader
Australia & New Zealand

Mobile: Mobile: +61 466 507 548
E-mail: E-mail: Alma.dayawon@ge.com

Macquarie University
Daniela Iacono
Media Adviser


Phone: Phone: +61 2 9850 1952
Mobile: Mobile: + 61 439 083 869
E-mail: E-mail: daniela.iacono@mq.edu.au

Macquarie Medical Imaging
Margery Pardey
Chief Research Facilitator
Macquarie Medical Imaging


Phone: Phone: +61 2 9430 1100
Mobile: Mobile: +61 410 643 182
E-mail: E-mail: margery.pardey@mqmi.com.au


All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.

Date: 09 August, 2019
City: Sydney