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At the 98th annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), November 25-29, Royal Philips Electronics continues the Imaging 2.0 journey by showcasing several new features for existing image modalities that deliver clinical benefits to customers while simultaneously answering the economic challenges clinicians face worldwide.
Globally, clinicians are faced with many challenges, such as the rise of chronic disease and an ageing population, that could interfere with their capability to deliver the best possible care to their patients. Technology innovation is part of the answer, as well new business models that address the clinical, operational and financial needs of hospitals and customers.
At RSNA, Philips is now offering dStream broadband technology(1) that will enable current Philips MR users to switch to digital broadband MRI for the majority of analogue Philips MR systems. The technology builds on the existing MR magnet and is a cost-effective way to provide digital broadband MRI. Compared with system replacement, dStream upgrade technology saves on magnet and reconstruction costs and means fewer disturbances for the facility during installation. Users can expect significant savings in cost when upgrading an existing MRI compared to purchasing a new digital system.
“We know that customers around the globe are facing economic struggles and purchasing decisions may be uncertain,” said Gene Saragnese, chief executive officer of Imaging Systems at Philips. “Philips understands these challenges and is committed to continually improving access to the best care possible and helping clinicians to improve patient outcomes. We do this by providing upgrades and enhancements that meet these challenges, which allows our customers to improve on the existing imaging system investments they have already made.”
SmartPath to dStream features signal digitisation directly at the patient, delivering high signal to noise ratio (SNR) that benefits image quality and speed. The lightweight dStream digital coils are comfortable for patients and the easy coil handling significantly benefits workflow. SmartSelect automatically determines the coil elements to use, shortening scan setup time.
References
- Philips introduced the dStream technology with its Ingenia 1.5T and 3.0T MR (magnetic resonance) system.
- Not currently available in the U.S.: 510(k) pending
