GE HealthCare invests $160 million in Laza Medical's AI-powered cath lab robotics

GE HealthCare led $160 million in financing this week for the start-up company Laza Medical, which is developing a high-quality, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robotic transesophageal echo (TEE) procedural imaging system for interventional cardiology. Laza said the money will go toward development of the system designed to simplify procedures, increase system autonomy and alleviate resource constraints to provide wider access to interventional therapies.

"The future of cardiac intervention must be one where access, consistency and quality of care are no longer barriers to better outcomes," Jyoti Gera, CEO of cardiovascular and interventional solutions, advanced imaging solutions at GE HealthCare, said in a statement. "Integrating imaging modalities so they work seamlessly together has the potential to redefine the cath lab, enabling more efficient workflows today and paving the way for smarter, robotic procedures tomorrow. We're excited to expand our collaboration with Laza and work together toward this shared vision."

By combining AI and robotics, Laza said it wants to extend the reach of specialized imaging expertise. The robotic system in development is aimed at structural heart, electrophysiology (EP) and diagnostic procedures. It combines real-time 3D heart modeling, procedural guidance, robotic probe control and an intuitive interface. 

The company said the technology may help care teams navigate complex cardiac interventions with greater confidence. Amr Salahieh, founder and board chairman at Laza Medical said the cath lab is poised for a fundamental evolution, in which AI imaging will play a defining role. He said the technology in development should be able to streamline processes, reduce variability and improve the quality and reach of cardiac procedures.

"High-quality imaging is foundational to all successful cases," Firas Zahr, MD, director of interventional cardiology at Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital, explained. He had experience with the software during the first-in-human clinical study last year. "Consistent anatomic and spatial context simplifies procedures and helps clinicians navigate the anatomy with confidence and precision."

Laza Medical is a Shifamed portfolio company that is pioneering AI-powered robotic imaging solutions for cardiac interventions. In addition to GE HealthCare, other investors included Unorthodox Ventures, PA MedTech, and AMED.