Royal Philips showcases EPIQ and AlluraClarity systems at RSNA 2013

Today, at the 99th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) showcases its EPIQ premium ultrasound system that combines an exceptional level of clinical performance, advanced system intelligence and intuitive design, and its AlluraClarity interventional X-ray system that provides high quality imaging for a comprehensive range of clinical procedures, achieving excellent visibility at low X-ray dose levels for patients of all sizes. These innovations complement Philips' comprehensive radiology product portfolio that delivers enhanced clinical performance, improves patient experience and helps drive economic value.

"At Philips we are dedicated to delivering meaningful innovations that address some of the key challenges that health systems and hospitals are facing today," said Deborah DiSanzo, CEO, Philips Healthcare. "Only by working closely with clinicians and customers can we develop potentially game changing products like our EPIQ ultrasound system and AlluraClarity interventional X-ray system – imaging solutions that enable clinicians to provide the best possible care to patients from diagnosis to treatment and after care. This is how we create the future of healthcare."

With the introduction of EPIQ and AlluraClarity into the U.S. market, and the worldwide debut of Philips' IQon Spectral CT and Vereos PET/CT also unveiled today at RSNA 2013, Philips is delivering imaging innovation to enable early and more accurate treatments for all types of patients. 

EPIQ: Premium ultrasound featuring nSIGHT Imaging
Philips' EPIQ ultrasound system delivers extraordinary image resolution and detail along with exceptional levels of information. It was designed to meet the needs of today's ultrasound department, providing enhanced clinical information and faster, more consistent exams that are easier to perform. With EPIQ, clinicians can get the diagnostic information they need to make a confident diagnosis.

The Philips proprietary nSIGHT Imaging architecture introduces a totally new approach to forming ultrasound images, offering an exceptional level of clinical performance. Unlike conventional systems that form the image line by line, nSIGHT creates images with optimal resolution down to the pixel level.

"EPIQ allows my staff to acquire outstanding images and deliver a more accurate, definitive diagnosis, ultimately leading to better outcomes for our patients," said Michelle L. Robbin, M.D., MSME, FACR, Chief, Ultrasound, and Professor, Body Imaging Section, University of Alabama (UAB) School of Medicine. "EPIQ is helping us deliver the best care possible to all patients, even those traditionally difficult to image, such as patients with high body mass index where ultrasound has previously been inconclusive."

EPIQ is also the first product to provide whole organ volume imaging (3D Panoramic) comprehension, quantifiable and uncut information in one volume, making it the only 3D contrast system for GI among leading ultrasound manufacturers to provide real-time 3D contrast data for dynamic clinical assessment.

Additional benefits of EPIQ include:

• Ability to decrease exam times by 30-50 percent.
• 40 percent less reach and 15 percent fewer steps to complete an exam due to EPIQ's tablet-like touch interface that allows quick navigation.
• 25 percent less power consumed, making EPIQ Philips' greenest premium ultrasound technology. 
• Ergonomically designed to reduce work-related injuries – more than 80 percent of ultrasound users experience work-related pain.

AlluraClarity: New generation low dose interventional X-ray system 
AlluraClarity with ClarityIQ technology, being introduced in the U.S. at RSNA 2013, is a new generation in live image guidance. As interventions become increasingly complex, challenges for clinicians multiply. The growing number of patients with high body mass index (BMI) can necessitate increased dose levels in order to visualize anatomy. Developed in collaboration with interventional physicians, AlluraClarity provides high-quality imaging for a full range of clinical procedures at low dose levels for patients of all sizes.

Working in close collaboration with leading clinicians in the field of minimally-invasive medicine, Philips has been driving innovation in interventional imaging for more than 50 years, helping to guide procedures such as the catheter-based treatment of obstructed arteries, cerebral and aortic aneurysms, and peripheral vascular disease.

"Minimally-invasive medicine is the future of progressive healthcare, and we are leading the way in live image guidance with innovative technology like AlluraClarity, delivering relevant clinical value where it is needed most," added Gene Saragnese, CEO, Imaging Systems at Philips Healthcare.

AlluraClarity's low X-ray dose settings are radically new developments in the healthcare industry that will help clinicians manage their patients' exposure to X-ray radiation.