Philips introduces three new imaging systems for radiology departments at ECR 2013

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Multiva MRI system
Multiva MRI system

On 8 March 2013, Philips introduced three new imaging systems to help radiology departments increase both the number of patients and range of clinical exams they can handle. Philips is continuing the Imaging 2.0 journey to deliver greater collaboration and integration, increased patient focus and improved economic value. The imaging systems were showcased at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2013 (7–11 March Vienna, Austria), all three systems combine the capabilities for high patient throughput with the functionality and advanced clinical imaging applications. 

“Hospitals and clinics of all sizes face a constant struggle to treat more patients and reduce waiting times—all within often extremely tight budgets,” said Gene Saragnese, chief executive officer of Imaging Systems at Philips. “We are helping them meet that challenge by delivering affordable imaging systems with premium functionality and image quality that deliver real clinical and economic value.”

At ECR 2013, Philips introduced the Multiva 1.5T MRI systemi which combines high productivity with the capability to go beyond standard MRI applications. The Multiva 1.5T builds on Philips’ technologies from the Ingenia and Achieva platforms. According to the company the FlexStream workflow improves coil handling efficiency for head, spine, musculoskeletal, body and neurovascular exams, and reduces scan set-up time by up to 40%. In addition, Multiva 1.5T delivers up to 16 times faster imaging, provides high-quality images of large anatomical areas for increased diagnostic confidence, and includes multiple features to improve the patient’s overall comfort and experience.

“I believe Multiva offers the best value for the money in the market today. Its image quality is brilliant, and you can do routine scanning, advanced scanning and research at a very reasonable cost. The time it takes to change patients has significantly decreased even for elderly patients letting us scan around 20 patients per day. Plus we can do advanced imaging in all body and brain regions, get beautiful visualisation of lesions in knee cartilage and small ligaments in the wrist,” said Christof Walter, co-owner of the Radiology Center Trier in Germany.

The DuraDiagnost digital radiography (DR) systemii was also demonstrated at ECR 2013. The benefits include images that are available within seconds and can easily be saved and shared— enhancing workflow efficiency. DuraDiagnost uses premium features such as the Unique image processing and Eleva user interface, which automatically sets the right image settings are used for each examination. The system is available in three configurations of which the first two deliver a full range of exams; the dual-detector Efficiency room allows rapid switching between different types of examinations for high patient throughput, the Compact room’s unique geometry fits into small rooms, while the table-based Focus room enables enhanced department set-up flexibility for an affordable investment.

“Digital radiography with DuraDiagnost from Philips has met with a great deal of approval in our radiology centre—from our patients, our radiologists and especially our technologists. The entire workflow process is fast, easy and efficient, letting us spend more time with patients. DuraDiagnost meets both our medical and economic requirements. We can provide all our patients with personalised medical care and simultaneously remain within a reasonable budget,” said Kathrin Scharfetter, medical specialist for Diagnostic Radiology and Paediatric Radiology, Radiology Center Eppendorfer Baum, Hamburg, Germany.

Philips also unveiled a brand new configuration in its proven Ingenuity family of computed tomography (CT) scanners. The Ingenuity Flex is a 16-slice CT scanner that delivers robust imaging with fast acquisition and reconstruction for streamlined workflows that let clinicians spend more time with their patients. The system offers personalised image quality at low dose with the iDose4 option. In addition the Ingenuity Flex allows personalised dose checks and reporting to manage dose for each patient. Additional upgradeability options are also available.

Also showcased at ECR 2013 were the AlluraClarityiii and MicroDose SI.