Philips signals cardiac 'breakthrough' with TEE ultrasound transducer

Philips has announced a breakthrough in cardiac imaging with its miniature TEE ultrasound transducer.

FDA 510(k) cleared, the company’s new X11-4t Mini 3D TEE transducer is the latest addition to a pioneering line-up of ultrasound probes.

Cardiovascular ultrasound has played a key role in the evolution of early diagnosis of structural heart disease. The ‘transoesophageal echocardiography’ (TEE) ultrasound transducer helps cardiologists by providing highly detailed images of the heart and its internal structures. In structural heart disease, the quality of a 3D TEE image can help save lives. The clarity and perspective that come with 3D images exceed 2D alternatives. TEE can be used for minimally invasive heart surgeries and procedures, transforming the treatment of damaged heart valves and congenital heart defects.

However, there were some patients who still couldn’t benefit from this technology, including paediatric patients as small as 5kg, adults at risk of complications, as well as complex cases such as ICU patients, where the transducer probe for 3D TEE was too large. Philips says its new X11-4t Mini 3D TEE transducer is shifting that balance and opening 3D TEE imaging to previously unaddressed patients.

David Handler, VP and general manager for Global Cardiology Ultrasound at Philips, said: "

As a pioneer and leading innovator in cardiac ultrasound, our 3D ultrasound technology plays a critical role in many cardiac procedures. But it was frustrating to know that there were still some patients who couldn’t benefit from this hugely beneficial approach to image the heart, and as a result, would often require a different, more invasive, treatment approach. That’s why we’ve developed a new, even smaller mini 3D TEE transducer that can be used to help physicians serve a wider range of patients, from small children to fragile adults. With this innovation we can help reduce the need for general anaesthesia and lower the risk of complications, meaning patients may recover faster from procedures and can be discharged sooner.”

Early clinical users who’ve had the opportunity to carry out procedures with the new transducer have recognised its value.

Dr. Rebecca Hahn, professor of medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and director of interventional echocardiography at the Columbia Structural Heart & Valve Center, said: “With its excellent image quality and small footprint, the X11-4t transducer has the potential to reduce the complications of prolonged transesophageal imaging which can occur during our most difficult structural heart procedures. The transducer’s small size may also be better tolerated by patients during shorter procedures performed under conscious sedation and thus, provide additional high-quality imaging to improve procedural outcomes without the need for general anaesthesia."

Developed to be easily tolerated by patients due to its 35% smaller size and pill-shaped design, Philips’ = X11-4t aims to enhance the patient experience, with 87% of clinical respondents stating they believe the X11-4t may contribute to improved overall patient comfort. Clinical staff can also benefit from a Mini Live 3D TEE solution that allows them to care for a wider range of patients, using the same hand control, procedure navigation techniques and workflow they are familiar with on Philips’ EPIQ cardiac ultrasound systems.