At RSNA 2009 Philips Healthcare featured the new Precedence SPECT/CT system, which unites high-end, multislice CT with a flexible gamma camera. The gamma camera is designed for functional and molecular imaging that can aid diagnosis and treatment in cardiology and oncology.
This merged system affords a comprehensive solution, providing registered SPECT and CT images in addition to individual SPECT, CT, or planar nuclear medicine images. Clinicians can employ the fused SPECT/CT data sets to facilitate localization of pathology or alternatively, can acquire the individual datasets in a single imaging session, improving workflow and patient comfort.
A new suite of interventional tools on the Brilliance iCT enables CT-guided procedures. With Brilliance iCT's new 3.0 software release, Philips offers two packages to facilitate interventional procedures in the CT gantry room – Continuous CT (CCT) and CT Fluoroscopy.
Continuous CT biopsy mode enables the clinician to perform gantry room scans using a foot pedal to keep their hands free to focus on the procedure and includes a remote monitor for viewing. Adhering to Philips' DoseWise design philosophy, each exposure is a 240 degree axial scan centered beneath the patient to shield the clinician's hands from direct X-ray exposure. CT Fluoroscopy provides real-time guidance for interventional procedures (up to eight frames per second). Exposure time and dose displays keep the interventional radiologist aware of exposure levels throughout the procedure while viewing a single-fused image. All of the Philips CT interventional packages are available with cart or ceiling-mounted display monitors and can be configured on new or previously installed Brilliance iCT scanners.
Also on display at Philips' booth was its interventional vascular X-ray systems. For new and existing customers, the Allura Xper FD20 combines a range of interventional tools and seamless multimodality cath lab integration. It also offers a balance between image quality and low X-ray dose during lengthy procedures.
The Allura Xper system has advanced optional tools to support image-guided procedures. The MR/CT Roadmap feature allows clinicians to synchronize live fluoroscopy with previously acquired MRA/CTA datasets. This can help reduce contrast media use and X-ray dose, compared to standard 2D or 3D navigation. XperGuide can also overlay live fluoroscopy on MR/CT images for needle image guidance.
Ultrasound access and use is also improved with the launch of the integrated CX50 system, combining good image quality with full data, user interface and video integration. With the CX50's portability, physicians in the cath lab can control the CX50 from the Allura Xper FD tableside module, and view images directly on interventional exam room monitors.
Philips also introduced DoseAware, delivering real-time visualization, display and tracking of clinical staff X-ray dose to help healthcare professionals manage their exposure on the spot.
August 09, 2024 
