Philips launches ultrasound system using 3D and 4D technology
Royal Philips has launched an ultrasound system which combines 3D and 4D imaging technology to reduce vascular examination times and improve assessment of babies during pregnancy.
The EPIQ Elite offers two new versions; one including Philips’ first dedicated solution for the diagnosis vascular assessment, the other with dedicated Obstetrics and Gynecology tools.
Its xMATRIX transducer can produce 3D vascular images, allowing clinicians to see directly into a vessel to evaluate plaque spatial location and composition, as well as view 3D flow data to quickly assess stenotic conditions. With live ‘xPlane’ imaging – proprietary to Philips – clinicians can acquire two planes simultaneously to improve accuracy of data collection, and reduce examination time by 20%, while icon-driven visual workflow makes 3D imaging easier, reducing the steps that the clinician needs to take from 10 to one. The solution also provides a communication tool to facilitate clinical decisions and enhance patient consultation.
Jeff Cohen, general imaging ultrasound business leader, Philips said: “Our new portfolio of dedicated systems and solutions based on the EPIQ Elite combines new display technology, innovative transducers, advanced software and enhanced processing power. With one in four stroke cases caused by vascular disease of the carotid artery globally, vascular health is a growing concern worldwide. Ultrasound is the ideal imaging technology to help clinicians make a confident diagnosis, which is why today we’re announcing our first dedicated solution for vascular assessment.”
Improving the early detection of birth defects and potential complications can enhance decision-making and treatment options, supporting improved outcomes for at-risk newborns and their mothers. The EPIQ Elite for Obstetrics combines with transducers and software to offer an integrated solution to enhance foetal assessment and meet the needs of obstetrics patients during the early stages of pregnancy.
Jon Weait, business marketing manager, Ultrasound Philips UKI, said: “Ultrasound is recognised as an evolving and increasingly sophisticated and robust diagnostic tool across NHS diagnostic and emergency care services. With our ageing population living longer and with health conditions that place increasing demands on services and staff, ultrasound solutions dedicated to vascular care can now provide cost-efficient ways to support clinicians in best managing their patients with fast, accurate and information rich diagnostic images.”
The ergonomic, lightweight, V9-2 transducer is a high-frequency PureWave transducer focused on getting fine detailed images as early as possible to help clinicians assess foetal health. Paired with TrueVue, the EPIQ Elite system allows parents and clinicians to manipulate a virtual light source around the 3D images of the foetus, producing images that provide a high level of detail to enable the identification of any abnormalities early on in pregnancy. The Philips aBiometry Assist application uses anatomical intelligence to automate time spent gathering measurements, reducing exam time to allow clinicians to spend more time with mothers-to-be.