Ultrasound imaging system now available to guide nonsurgical urology procedures

GE HealthCare has announced the launch of the bkActiv S series, an intraoperative ultrasound imaging system designed to guide nonsurgical urologic, colorectal, and pelvic floor procedures.¹

The system is intended to enable precise ultrasound guidance with clear visualization of anatomical structures.

The launch of the bkActiv S series adds on to GE Healthcare’s bkPotfolio of imaging systems. Their flagship system, the bkActiv system, was expanded in April 2023 to include use in guiding urological, colorectal, and pelvic floor surgical procedures.² According to the company, this next-generation system could be used for procedures ranging from biopsies to advanced robotic surgeries.

“At GE HealthCare, our Surgical Visualization and Guidance team is committed to advancing technologies that make a significant difference in the surgical environment and meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Matthijs Groot Wassink, General Manager of Surgical Innovations at GE HealthCare, in the news release.¹ “The bkActiv S system will help support clinicians across a wide range of procedures—including prostate diagnostics, biopsy, and treatment guidance—and reflects our focus on helping navigate increasingly complex surgical procedures with greater precision.”

According to the company, the bkActiv S system includes prostate volume assist—an artificial intelligence-based feature that automates prostate measurements with 1 click. The series also includes a customizable touch interface using TruSense technology, as well as ergonomically designed long transducer cables to improve flexibility. Further, the system’s customizable Smart Button technology enables the use of a variety of functionalities, including the ability to switch imaging planes and freeze, store, and print images.³

GE HealthCare also added, “The system's Image Compare mode helps clinicians retrieve a stored image and view alongside a live ultrasound image, facilitating real-time comparisons and measurements.”

The series also includes technology to enhance images captured during the procedure. For example, the TruFocus algorithm—included as part of the PRISM technology—auto-optimizes images for detail and clarity. Additionally, the Adaptive Noise Suppression feature eliminates haziness in images by automatically adjusting gain levels during procedural imaging.

According to the company, these features are all intended to enable precise, real-time ultrasound guidance with clear visualization of anatomical structures such as the prostate, bladder, and kidney.

REFERENCES

1. GE HealthCare expands the bkPortfolio with introduction of bkActiv S series for guiding nonsurgical urology, colorectal and pelvic floor procedures. News release. GE Healthcare. Published online and accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.gehealthcare.com/about/newsroom/press-releases/ge-healthcare-expands-the-bkportfolio-with-introduction-of-bkactiv-s-series-for-guiding-nonsurgical-urology-colorectal-and-pelvic-floor-procedures

2. GE HealthCare announces availability of next-generation bkActiv for guiding urology, colorectal and pelvic floor surgeries. News release. GE HealthCare. April 26, 2023. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.gehealthcare.com/about/newsroom/press-releases/ge-healthcare-announces-availability-of-next-generation-bkactiv-for-guiding-urology-colorectal-and-pelvic-floor-surgeries?npclid=botnpclid&srsltid=AfmBOorAVAgxJx14UoguGY28isjq62r9onDdt_MToqo3qUcgnBT2KWqD

3. bkActiv S series. GE HealthCare. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://landing1.gehealthcare.com/bkactiv-s-series.html