Philips Healthcare

Philips Healthcare:

The podium presentation of Philips Healthcare was outstanding; the speaker was excellent and the content was full of

innovative ideas. This year, Philips Healthcare is presenting their newest technology, a medical imaging device designed to

do ultrasound at a lower cost and with much more reproducibility. It is called Anatomically Intelligent Ultrasound (AIUS)

and it is truly an innovative idea. Based on the fact that ultrasound has a lower cost than other diagnostic technologies

(NMR, PCT), and that it is vastly used in several branches of medicine (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and OB/GYN),

there is a need to advance its technology. One of the most apparent limitations of today's ultrasound technology is the lack

of reproducibility. Not being able to perform a trusted and reproducible measurement may result in an incorrect diagnosis,

which can have serious ramifications. It is important to be able to make reproducible measurements in order to deliver the

best diagnosis and treatment. The functionality of the AIUS device is based on a model that will automatically adapt to the

patient's own variable anatomy. Within the proposed model, the device can automatically align and segment ultrasound

images and perform automated measurements. The device can “learn” about specific features in the anatomy of the patient

and can make a personalized interpretation of the results. A specific device used in cardiology ultrasound is now available

and it is called Xmatrix. Philips is investigating whether it can also be used in renal ultrasound. By developing an automated

device, it is easier and faster to carry out these procedures, which decreases the need for expensive staff training (because it

is easy to operate), lowers the amount of dollars spent per exam (because it works faster), and lessens the need to repeat

exams (because it is more reliable). Overall, the AIUS will allow for better therapy and outcomes.