ZEISS Medical Technology announced CE mark approval for CIRRUS PathFinder, an innovative artificial intelligence-powered clinical support tool designed to enhance optical coherence tomography (OCT) interpretation and accelerate clinician workflows. The fully integrated AI decision support system uses proprietary deep learning algorithms to automatically identify abnormal macular OCT B-scans, representing a significant advancement in ophthalmic diagnostic technology.
AI-Driven Clinical Decision Support
CIRRUS PathFinder's AI decision support algorithm operates within the clinician's existing workflow, eliminating the need for data export and analysis through third-party platforms. The system can assess hundreds of scans simultaneously in real time, flagging B-scans that may require additional review during image acquisition and allowing clinicians to focus on areas requiring detailed attention.
"At ZEISS, we continue to develop digital diagnostic tools that help streamline workflows, lower costs, improve outcomes, and elevate the patient experience," said Magnus Reibenspiess, Head of Strategic Business Unit Ophthalmology at ZEISS Medical Technology. "The AI decision support capabilities of ZEISS CIRRUS PathFinder help enable faster, more informed and actionable diagnostics for a better clinical and patient experience."
Enhanced Imaging Capabilities
The new CIRRUS software release incorporates AI-enhanced OCTA image quality with improved visualization of vascular structures and B-scan averaging of OCTA structural scans. Multi-layer segmentation capabilities further enhance diagnostic capabilities, enabling more efficient clinical decision-making. The system delivers high-speed image capture with HD imaging detail and a wide field of view when used with the ZEISS CIRRUS 6000.
"With PathFinder AI Decision Support, our game-changing technology identifies OCT B-scans that may require additional review, raising our advanced diagnostic portfolio to a new level of patient care support," said Anuj Kalra, Head of Chronic Disease Management at ZEISS Medical Technology.
Expanded Database and Security Features
The software update includes an expanded Reference Database (RDB) that is triple the size of the previous version, along with enhanced cybersecurity features designed to meet evolving compliance and security requirements. The ZEISS CIRRUS platform ensures seamless review of legacy OCT data combined with other diagnostic modalities.
ZEISS PathFinder is compatible with all current ZEISS CIRRUS devices (500, 5000, 6000), though the expanded Reference Database is specifically designed for ZEISS CIRRUS 6000 data. The tool is available via license within the new CIRRUS software update in select markets.
Digital Transformation in Ophthalmology
"ZEISS is harnessing the power of data and artificial intelligence to deliver integrated digital solutions that are paving the way for the next era in ophthalmic care," said Euan S. Thomson, Ph.D., Head of the Digital Business Unit for ZEISS Medical Technology. "Our strategic focus on digitally connected workflows has placed us at the forefront for enabling ophthalmologists with powerful AI-driven capabilities."
New research demonstrates that physicians leveraging AI algorithms can achieve greater effectiveness compared to practitioners working independently, supporting the clinical value proposition of AI-assisted diagnostic tools in ophthalmology practice.
