Philips Transforms Imaging Care in Order to Manage Radiation Dose Exposure

Philips Electronics has always concentrated on advancing medical imaging solutions believing it to be an essential tool for better diagnoses and treatment for patients. This commitment was clear at the 98th meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) that was just held in Chicago, where Philips presented new solutions that will allow better imaging, provide assistance, education and collaboration tools for the medical community.

For over 10 years, Philips has concentrated on the all-important matter of radiation dose exposure by trying to limit it as much as possible without sacrificing the quality of the images. By lowering the amount of radiation used per scan without lowering image definition, patients’ safety is improved without impacting the quality of care. As Gene Saragnese, chief executive officer of Philips Imaging Systems, put it, it needs to be “the right scan at the right dose." 

Philips developed the DoseWise system, methods and practices devised to control radiation doses by using ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) standards. This principle is used to ensure optimal image quality, while protecting people in x-ray environments.

At the RSNA 2012 annual meeting, Royal Philips Electronics presented its CT IMR, a system that provides virtually noise-free images from CT scans. They also presented the MicroDose Mammography with Single-Shot Spectral Imaging (SI), a digital mammography system that will not be sold in the U.S. that is able to provide high quality images with less radiation (18 to 50 percent less).

Instead, the iDose Premium Package is a CT solution that promises improved image quality through the iDose (better image through increased spatial resolution and reduced artifact prevention) and O-MAR (reduction of artifacts due to orthopedic implants).

The iPatient platform was also introduced by Philips for its CT and PET/CT scanners. It allows better image quality management and reporting of radiation doses per patients. iPatient will be part, together with iDose, of the new IcT Elite and Ingenuity Elite offer, which will include CT IMR too.

Philips has not only created solutions for better patients’ care, but also found ways to overcome the challenges radiologists face and has taken the steps to improve on the existing imaging system investments. They have also worked on developing ways to provide a better experience for patients being scanned. The Ambient Experience, in fact, is a system that uses lights, video, and sounds to reduce patient anxiety during the examination for a better overall experience.