GE HealthCare has introduced three cardiovascular ultrasound systems, Vivid Explorer, Vivid Advanced and Vivid Focus, combining cSound imaging with AI-enabled workflow tools and capabilities designed for different cardiac care environments. The systems are designed for routine echocardiography, comprehensive cardiac imaging and interventional care.
The systems were showcased at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2026, held August 28–31 in Munich, Germany. They share a common software-based imaging architecture intended to provide a consistent imaging and user experience across different systems and examination types.
Systems Tailored to Cardiac Imaging Workflows
Vivid Explorer is designed for high-volume echo labs and routine interventional procedures. It supports advanced 4D, multi-plane and 2D imaging across transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), along with AI and automation capabilities supporting advanced cardiac workflows.
Vivid Advanced is designed for busy mid-size hospitals and cardiology practices requiring comprehensive cardiac imaging. It supports 2D TTE, multi-plane TEE and 2D ICE, together with vascular, abdominal and soft-tissue imaging.
Vivid Focus is designed for everyday cardiac imaging. It combines cSound imaging technology with the new 4Sc-RS probe, AI-enabled workflow tools and support for vascular, abdominal and soft-tissue exams.
The three systems join Vivid Pioneer, which GE HealthCare describes as its ultra-premium cardiovascular ultrasound system for the most complex cases. The portfolio also includes Vivid iq, a laptop-sized ultrasound system combining imaging capabilities and advanced quantification tools for cardiovascular, abdominal and musculoskeletal exams.
cSound Imaging and AI Support
All three systems use cSound, the software-based imaging architecture shared across the Vivid portfolio. According to GE HealthCare, cSound is designed to help optimize contrast, resolution and tissue visualization through advanced processing, supporting a consistent imaging experience across the Vivid family.
AI-enabled and automation capabilities include AI Auto Measure 2D, Easy AutoEF, Easy AFI LV and AI Cardiac Auto Doppler. The tools are designed to help reduce manual steps and simplify measurements such as ejection fraction, while supporting consistency across users and exam types.
The systems also feature a familiar Vivid interface and adjustable ergonomics designed to support workflow continuity across systems. Vivid Explorer, Vivid Advanced and Vivid Focus offer battery-supported operation and Power Saving Mode to help clinicians move between clinical environments and reduce energy use while maintaining performance.
EchoPAC Supports Analysis and Reporting
EchoPAC Software Only v211 provides tools for clinicians to review, analyze and quantify cardiovascular ultrasound studies on-site or remotely, using consistent tools and workflows across image acquisition, analysis and reporting.
The software introduces the same new capabilities available across Vivid Explorer, Vivid Advanced and Vivid Focus. EchoPAC Software Only v211 has received CE Mark and is 510(k) pending with the U.S. FDA and not available for sale in the U.S. GE HealthCare notes that the EchoPAC functionality described is based on EchoPAC v210 and earlier cleared versions. Availability of future software releases, including v211, is subject to applicable regulatory clearances and may vary by country.
Vivid Explorer, Vivid Advanced and Vivid Focus have received CE Mark. The three systems are U.S. FDA 510(k) pending and not available for sale in the U.S.
Source: GE HealthCare
