Philips outlines RSNA product plans

Oct 19, 2010

Philips Healthcare of Andover, MA, plans to show the newest additions to its various product lines at this year's annual RSNA meeting, including new wireless digital radiography (DR) technology, an oncology configuration of its open MRI scanner, and a new version of its iU22 ultrasound platform with enhanced ergonomics.

Diagnostic x-ray

In digital x-ray, Philips will introduce a new wireless DR configuration, a new remote-controlled radiography/fluoroscopy unit, and an expansion to radiography of its Ambient Experience patient-friendly room environment.

The company will exhibit a new DigitalDiagnost system (not yet available in North America) that consists of a generator, application workstation, ceiling-suspended tube, and a wireless portable detector. The compact configuration is designed for small rooms, the movement of trolleys, and easier access to devices.

Philips also will show its new remote-controlled flat-detector system, called Juno DRF, that performs both DR and fluoroscopy in a single system for more efficient operation.

Juno DRF features a dual imaging mode and open-access design, and is designed to increase room utilization and also perform bariatric studies. It is supports all common radiographic procedures, gastrointestinal studies, tomography, and vascular studies. Its source-to-image distance of 180 cm (71 inches) and table capacity of up to 626 lb, without restrictions for movement, allows for diverse exam and patient types, according to the company.

For customers preferring to work with a nearby-controlled x-ray system, Philips will highlight DRF room products with two digital detectors in a vertical stand and/or in the EasyDiagnost Eleva table to combine DR and fluoroscopy.

Philips again plans to demonstrate the image quality of its Unique (Unified Image Quality Enhancement) image processing software. Unique image processing is designed to reduce patient x-ray dose and the need for retakes.

Interventional x-ray

Initially introduced at the European Congress of Radiology earlier this year, Philips' DoseAware concept allows for real-time feedback in the fluoroscopy suite, so healthcare providers can minimize x-ray dose during a procedure.

DoseAware features wireless real-time radiation badges, which quantitatively display scattered x-ray dose being absorbed by every person in the fluoroscopy suite. The base station hangs adjacent to the imaging monitors and displays the amount of dose being exposed on the screen.

Meanwhile, the company's XperGuide technology offers live 3D image needle guidance for percutaneous needle procedures in the interventional lab. XperGuide overlays live fluoroscopy and 3D soft-tissue imaging data from previously acquired CT or MRI scans or from its XperCT soft-tissue imaging mode to provide information on the needle path and target. XperGuide can be used for numerous clinical procedures, from biopsies and drainages to RF ablations.

Philips will also demonstrate the use of a CX50 ultrasound system integrated into an interventional lab to support vascular access, biopsies, and other interventions performed with Allura Xper cardiovascular x-ray angiography systems. Ultrasound images are shown on the Allura exam room display to provide enhanced ultrasound image quality for more accurate guidance in procedures.

MRI

In MRI, Philips will introduce an oncology configuration for its Panorama HFO 1-tesla open MRI scanner. The magnet's open scan configuration is well suited for radiation oncology and enables the scanning of patients in treatment positions, and also supports MR-guided biopsies, brachytherapy, and other minimally invasive procedures.

Philips also will feature an expansion of its clinical applications in a more collaborative way through its portal thin client application server.

In addition, Philips will show its Achieva 3.0T TX MRI system with patient-adaptive MultiTransmit radiofrequency (RF) technology. The proprietary multichannel RF transmission technology automatically adjusts its RF signal to each patient's unique anatomy. Philips will also show its Mobile 3.0T MRI system with MultiTransmit, the Achieva 3.0T TX Mobile MRI.

The company will also show an Elite breast imaging package for its 1.5- and 3-tesla scanners. The package is designed to reduce total exam time by 10 minutes, which could result in a 30% improvement in clinical throughput, according to the company. The product includes advanced breast imaging techniques such as eThrive, a MammoTrak dockable patient support, diagnostic and biopsy coils, and the DynaCAD computer-aided detection (CAD) software for analysis and biopsy planning from the MR console.

Meanwhile, Philips' Sonalleve MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) uterine fibroid therapy system also will be on display. The system combines two modalities by integrating an advanced HIFU system into the patient table of the Philips Achieva MR system. Focused ultrasound waves heat and coagulate tissue deep inside the body without damaging intervening tissue, and combine this capability with advanced planning, guidance, and temperature monitoring provided by MRI.

Sonalleve is currently undergoing clinical trials in the U.S. and is available in many countries outside of the U.S.

Ultrasound

In ultrasound, Philips will highlight a new iU22 xMatrix configuration of its iU22 ultrasound platform. The new version is designed to reduce exam time, provide more diagnostic information to the reading room, and address common work-related injuries among sonographers.

In new transducer technologies available on the system, the company's X6-1 PureWave xMatrix transducer is designed for enhanced 2D image quality and converts to 3D with the press of one button for enhanced anatomical imaging. Clinicians can also view two planes simultaneously, without moving or rotating the transducer using Live xPlane technology. The feature is designed to enhance workflow, streamline scanning, and reduce scanning fatigue and the risk of repetitive stress injuries.

The iU22 xMatrix also features integrated image fusion and instrument navigation capabilities with PercuNav technology. The PercuNav system aids in the guidance of medical instruments during soft-tissue biopsy and ablation procedures. The combination of PercuNav with iU22 xMatrix transforms 2D patient images into dynamic, fused imaging maps that combine CT or MRI with live ultrasound, according to the company.

Women's health

In the area of mammography, Philips will introduce a new stereotactic option for its MammoDiagnost DR full-field digital mammography system (which is pending U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance). The feature is designed to allow for faster procedures with a minimum of image acquisitions, which may lead to lower x-ray dose.

MammoDiagnost DR also includes the company's Unique image processing software to help clinicians identify tiny microcalcifications and view breast tissue structures; a single-touch Eleva user interface facilitates customizable, intuitive operation and personalized interaction.

Philips will also highlight breast imaging applications on the iU22 ultrasound scanner, such as volume imaging with the VL 13-5 transducer to provide clinicians with information such as the visualization of the C-plane. Clinicians can view target areas from any plane to better characterize the extent of breast masses.

On the Gemini TF Big Bore PET/CT system, Philips will show nuclear breast imaging (scintimammography) applications that combine the company's Brilliance CT Big Bore capabilities with high-end PET performance, helping clinicians make more accurate breast cancer diagnosis and staging assessments.

And, finally, Philips' IntelliSpace Breast product features mammography, ultrasound, and MRI studies to provide clinicians with a complete picture of multiple breast exams at a single workspace. It is also a multivendor workstation and integrates on a single desktop applications from Philips' high-performance mammography workstation, MammoDiagnost VU, with its breast MR CAD software, DynaCAD.

Nuclear medicine

Philips's nuclear medicine division will feature the BrightView XCT, a SPECT/CT system that has been upgraded with iterative reconstruction algorithms and a flat-panel CT component. The new enhancement is designed to improve localization by delivering enhanced uniformity and less noise.

Healthcare informatics

Philips will introduce a series of new Workflow Layer applications for its iSite PACS software. The Workflow Layer is designed to complement iSite PACS' image and information management capabilities with five applications that facilitate American College of Radiology (ACR) and Joint Commission compliance, while enhancing productivity, interdepartmental collaboration, and the delivery of patient care.

In CT, Philips plans to highlight its iDose iterative reconstruction technique, which has demonstrated a reduction in dose of as much as 80%, while maintaining image quality. Philips will also feature an expansion of its clinical applications in a more collaborative way with its portal thin client application server.

Philips Services

Philips Services will showcase its recently launched Philips Healthcare Consulting service, which provides strategic and operational services to help hospitals maximize their investments in medical and information technology.

Philips Healthcare Consulting capabilities include: