Cincinnati Children’s and GE HealthCare Launch Nation’s First Pediatric Imaging Innovation Hub

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and GE HealthCare have formed a strategic research partnership to create the nation’s first Pediatric Care Innovation Hub focused on the development of imaging technologies specifically designed for children across MRI, ultrasound, molecular imaging, and CT. This collaboration combines Cincinnati Children’s clinical research excellence (ranked #1 pediatric hospital by U.S. News) with GE HealthCare’s global imaging expertise to address unique pediatric challenges such as anatomical sizing and motion artifacts.

“Traditionally, we adapt adult technologies for children – this hub lets us build pediatric-first solutions from inception,” said Dr. Brian Coley, Radiologist-in-Chief at Cincinnati Children’s. Key initiatives include: high-density MRI coils for smaller anatomies, AI-powered pediatric ultrasound algorithms, and optimized low-dose CT protocols. The partnership will also advance motion-resistant imaging techniques and PET/SPECT personalization for pediatric oncology.

“Children aren’t just small adults – they need tailored imaging approaches,” said Erin Angel, Vice President of Research & Scientific Affairs at GE HealthCare. The hub’s innovations aim to benefit global pediatric care, with initial prototypes including rapid MRI acquisition sequences (reducing scan times by up to 50% in early trials) and ultrasound liver quantification tools. Findings will be disseminated through GE HealthCare’s global training networks.