GE HealthCare Integrates bkActiv With Medtronic Stealth AXiS for Cranial Imaging

The development builds on an ongoing strategic collaboration between the two companies focused on advancing surgical technologies.

GE HealthCare has introduced a digital integration between its bkActiv intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) system and Medtronic’s Stealth AXiS surgical navigation system, aimed at enhancing real-time imaging capabilities during cranial procedures.

The integrated solution is now commercially available and allows neurosurgeons to incorporate real-time ultrasound imaging directly into surgical navigation workflows without disrupting existing operating room processes. The development builds on an ongoing strategic collaboration between the two companies focused on advancing surgical technologies.

The Stealth AXiS surgical navigation system, which recently received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cranial procedures, combines surgical planning, navigation, and robotics into a unified platform. With the integration of bkActiv, surgeons can access live intraoperative ultrasound images alongside pre-operative MRI and CT scans, supporting more dynamic decision-making during surgery.

One of the key challenges in cranial procedures is “brain shift,” a phenomenon where the brain changes position during surgery, reducing the accuracy of pre-surgical imaging. The bkActiv system is designed to address this by providing continuous real-time visualization, enabling clinicians to assess anatomical changes during procedures.

The bkActiv system also includes features intended to support surgical workflows, such as image mirroring for improved visibility in the operating room, color Doppler for blood flow visualization, and specialized imaging algorithms for enhanced resolution. Additional functionalities include sterilizable transducers, single-use needle guides, and control tools that allow surgeons to manage imaging functions directly from the sterile field.

According to GE HealthCare, the integration is designed to support surgical precision by providing real-time insights during complex neurosurgical procedures.

The companies plan to showcase the integrated solution at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting, scheduled to take place from May 1–4, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.

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