Nerveblox, an AI software solution by SmartAlpha, designed to assist physicians in using ultrasound while administering regional anaesthesia procedures commonly known as 'nerve blocks', has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance. This clearance opens the door for SmartAlpha to launch its technology to the U.S. healthcare market at a time when AI's role in medicine is more relevant than ever.

Nerve block procedures help physicians numb a localised region by injecting anaesthetics for managing both surgical and chronic pain. Performed under ultrasound imaging, nerve block procedures enable effective pain management that may lead to faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to normal activities while potentially decreasing the need for opioids.

With the ability to detect and highlight 50 key anatomical structures, Nerveblox software assists healthcare professionals by identifying and displaying anatomy in real time during ultrasound scanning for nerve block procedures. It spans a broad range of nerve block procedures relevant to clinical practice, from cesarean sections and breast surgery to knee and shoulder procedures, as well as pain relief for fractures and injuries.

"By harnessing AI, we can elevate procedural decision-making to enhance accuracy and accelerate the adoption of ultrasound-guided pain relief strategies that improve patient outcomes," said Dr. Gary Schwartz, MD, FASA, FASRA, Director of AABP Integrative Pain Care and Wellness. "Having utilised the Nerveblox technology at our research centre and contributed to the pivotal trial, I have seen firsthand the potential of this technology to advance the precision and safety of interventional ultrasound."

Commenting on the FDA clearance, SmartAlpha co-founder Utku Kaya stated, "Ultrasound guidance is increasingly used for nerve blocks since it maximises block success and minimises risk of complications. SmartAlpha is supporting this adoption, and with this clearance, we have taken a significant step toward SmartAlpha's mission of delivering AI solutions that assist healthcare professionals worldwide in performing ultrasound imaging with greater ease and confidence."