Fujifilm Sonosite Launches AI-Powered PIV Assist to Support Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access

Fujifilm Sonosite, Inc., a global leader in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), has introduced PIV Assist—an AI-driven feature designed to support clinicians during peripheral intravenous (PIV) access planning. The tool is now available across the Sonosite LX, PX, and ST ultrasound platforms.

Peripheral IV insertion is one of the most frequently performed procedures in clinical settings, and ultrasound-guided access has become increasingly valuable, particularly in patients with difficult IV access. Developed in close collaboration with frontline clinicians, PIV Assist is designed to reduce cognitive load and enhance procedural confidence by assisting with vein identification and cannula selection.

“At Sonosite, we have a long history of innovation in both education and product development,” said Richard Fabian, president and CEO of Fujifilm Sonosite. “PIV Assist is an AI-powered tool we developed in close collaboration with our customers. It’s designed to reduce cognitive load and enhance clinician confidence during vascular access planning—both of which are critical to delivering effective patient care.”

The feature provides real-time differentiation between arteries and veins during pre-scan evaluation. By assessing vein size and calculating the catheter-to-vein ratio (CVR), PIV Assist offers guidance on the appropriate catheter gauge. Color-coded visual feedback simplifies interpretation: arteries are clearly marked in red, while veins are highlighted based on the maximum recommended catheter size.

Additional functionalities include:

• CVR and depth visualization: PIV Assist calculates and displays the catheter-to-vein ratio and vein depth in real time to assist with safe planning.

• Color-coded procedural guidance: Visual indicators help clinicians identify candidate vessels and select the appropriate catheter size.

• Workflow integration: Designed to support efficiency, PIV Assist integrates directly into the standard POCUS workflow without requiring additional setup or steps.

• Extensive model training: The AI algorithm was trained on tens of thousands of ultrasound scans, ensuring robust vessel identification across a wide range of patient anatomies.

With the addition of PIV Assist, Fujifilm Sonosite continues its mission to enhance ultrasound-guided procedures through practical AI innovations that directly support clinician decision-making and patient care.