Royal Philips Electronics launches EPIQ ultrasound system to create ultrasound images

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced the launch of EPIQ ultrasound system, offering an entirely new level of clinical confidence with a first-of-its-kind ultrasound architecture that is a totally new approach to creating ultrasound images without compromise. Making its debut at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2013 Congress in Amsterdam, EPIQ features a new imaging technology called nSIGHT that when combined with Philips' Anatomical Intelligence technology, delivers a powerful combination of speed and image clarity.

For the first time, Anatomical Intelligence – a rich data base of anatomic structural models and adaptive system technology – has been built into an ultrasound system creating an ultrasound system capable of efficiently producing more definitive clinical results. Anatomical Intelligence provides advanced organ modeling, image slicing, and proven quantification, making exams easier to perform, more reproducible, and delivering new levels of clinical information. Combining this intelligent technology with the precision clarity of nSIGHT Imaging makes for a faster more intuitive ultrasound system. 

With EPIQ, Philips has created a ground-breaking platform that supports segment specific innovations for Cardiology, Radiology, OB/GYN and General Imaging:

• xMATRIX 3DTEE and the Anatomically Intelligent Mitral Valve Navigator ^A.I. provide a key LIVE 3D planning solution that allows physicians to make more informed decisions before and during heart valve procedures.
• nSIGHT Imaging technology, a never-before imaging architecture that provides highly detailed ultrasound images and extraordinary temporal resolution.
• Extraordinary penetration at higher frequencies for outstanding imaging even on patients with high body mass index where ultrasound has previously been inconclusive.

Philips, known for its expertise in imaging technologies, has created a revolutionary imaging architecture, nSIGHT, a completely new way to form ultrasound images which allows:

• Highly detailed ultrasound images and extraordinary temporal resolution
• Ability to see new levels of tissue uniformity without the need of critical transmit focal zone placement
• Exceptional penetration at higher frequencies for superb imaging on difficult patients

"Philips is at the forefront of imaging technology innovation, and with EPIQ, we are pioneering a way to address significant imaging issues faced by medical professionals in the clinical setting," said Gene Saragnese, CEO Healthcare Imaging Systems, Philips Healthcare. "The combination of Anatomical Intelligence and the use of nSIGHT Imaging technology is a major milestone in the history of ultrasound technology."

"The image quality of EPIQ is truly impressive," said Roberto Lang, MD, Director of Cardiac Imaging and Professor of Medicine, University of Chicago. "I also appreciate the numerous design elements that make EPIQ easier to operate including the standby battery, easy to connect transducers, and portability; it is clear that EPIQ is a system built for today's healthcare environment."

"As the population continues to age, diagnosing potentially life- threatening conditions early is critical.  EPIQ complements the need for early detection by providing the technology and reliability that physicians require to make accurate diagnoses quickly and with greater confidence," added Saragnese.

Other features of the EPIQ premium ultrasound system include:

• A new best-in-class ergonomic design
  • Simplified workflow and new level portability – weighing 104.3 kg (230 lbs), EPIQ is the lightest and most maneuverable premium, cart-based ultrasound system
  • EPIQ is almost silent when running. A noise test determined that EPIQ runs at 37-41 dB, which is equivalent to the sound in a library
  • A new tablet-like interface results in dramatic reduction in reach and button pushes, with 40% to 80% less reach and 15% fewer steps
• Improved image quality
  • Up to 76% increase in penetration and up to 213% increase in temporal resolution (ability to maintain resolution at high frame rates)
• Increased efficiency
  • SmartExam increases automation and reproducibility of results which decreases exam time by 30-50%, keystrokes by as many as 300 per exam, and results in a higher level of consistency among users
  • Auto Doppler takes time-consuming color box positioning and sample volume placement from ten steps to three steps and reduces the number of repetitive button pushes by an average of 67.9%.

Source: Royal Philips Electronics