SimonMed Partners with Siemens Healthineers to Enhance Liver Disease Prognosis with Advanced Screening Technologies
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 15, 2025 – SimonMed, one of the largest outpatient medical imaging providers and radiology practices in the United States, announces the integration of multiple ACUSON Sequoia ultrasound systems from Siemens Healthineers, a global medical technology company providing a range of products and services in the healthcare sector. The integration brings liver imaging technology to several SimonMed locations across the U.S, to improve disease diagnosis and early detection in patients.
“Increased fat in the liver is mostly asymptomatic and may progress to Steatohepatitis, Fibrosis and Cirrhosis. Although imaging is a mainstay in the diagnosis of fatty liver disease, assessment can be subjective. Personalized, accurate, quantitative, and noninvasive early detection screening with Ultrasound Derived Fat Fraction (UDFF) to initiate early treatment will help prevent chronic liver disease,” said Dr. John Simon, MD, CEO and Founder of SimonMed.
SimonMed is one of the largest users of the ACUSON Sequia ultrasound systems and successfully installed systems in SimonMed locations across the US. These locations include three Arizona locations; Litchfield, Apache Junction, Laveen, and two Nevada sites, Centennial, and Southwest. The ACUSON Sequoia delivers a simple yet comprehensive liver assessment through quantification of liver tissue stiffness and hepatic fat in a single acquisition, to help streamline patient care pathways and potentially avoid intervention. Liver disease can often progress without symptoms which complicates early identification making cost-effective screenings even more important.
According to the American Liver Foundation, 100 million people are living with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in the US and this technology empowers early detection and offers comprehensive assessments to reduce invasive procedures. UDFF is an accessible and quantitative ultrasound index to aid in the management of patients with hepatic steatosis. UDFF delivers a similar clinical utility as MR-PDFF, but offers a cost effective alternative to MRI PDFF.
“We are proud to be working with SimonMed who are committed to addressing the growing burden of liver disease,” said Travis Holles, head of the Americas for Siemens Healthineers Ultrasound business. “MASLD is the most common cause of chronic liver disease, yet fewer than 5% of people are aware of their disease. However, when detected early, liver disease is reversible. Knowing your UDFF number can be a powerful tool in addressing liver health.”
This integration allows for SimonMed to significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of MASLD. This collaboration marks a milestone for both companies as they continue to pursue opportunities to advance liver healthcare through technological innovation.
