CoaguChek Pro II combines two tests in a single device
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Philips’ next generation interventional oncology solution OncoSuite enables physicians to provide analysis and minimally invasive, targeted treatment of tumour lesions reducing the impact to healthy tissue. It offers clinicians a better view of the treatment targets for informed decision making, while performing the procedure. While OncoSuite can be used for a number of different cancers including bone, kidney and lung, the system and its specific tools have been optimized for the treatment of patients with liver cancer. Given the steady increase in the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cancer, the development and availability of new technology is much needed to provide interventional oncologists with a breakthrough that allows best possible treatment for these patients. What matters most in these cases, is the ability to visualize the liver tumours, even small ones, during the procedure and to approach them in a very targeted way to maximize the therapeutic outcome, while avoiding the destruction of healthy liver tissue. OncoSuite is designed to help physicians see, reach and treat liver cancer in a better way. OncoSuite enhances tumour embolization and ablation procedures with Philips’ interventional X-ray systems. It is the only platform in the industry that supports both procedures, enabling physicians to target multiple tumour lesions simultaneously. OncoSuite comprises the company’s innovative product offerings for enhanced imaging (XperCT Dual), live 3D image guidance for tumour embolization (EmboGuide) and live 3D image guidance for tumour ablation (XperGuide). Minimally invasive, image-guided interventional oncology procedures are a highly effective option for patients who cannot be treated through conventional techniques such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Interventional oncology procedures are rapidly increasing and OncoSuite provides the first complete interventional oncology portfolio for interventional radiologists, enabling physicians to see the entire tumour and its feeder vessels to directly target treatment avoiding healthy tissue. The innovative Open Trajectory function within XperCT Dual enables better centering of the liver with significantly improved visualization during the procedure of peripheral hepatic tumours in a single sweep. This feature provides a more targeted field of view making it possible to effectively scan larger patients. Previously, with the traditional geometric movement of the C-arm of the interventional X-ray system, part of the liver image was truncated and larger patients required multiple scans to visualize tumours in the periphery of the liver. Embolization procedures involve blocking the arteries feeding a tumour with beads to deprive it of nutrients and oxygen. They require the insertion of a catheter, which must be guided to the tumour site with the aid of live image-guidance. BTG (Biocompatibles UK Ltd) and Philips have been working in close collaboration on the visualization benefits of radio-opaque beads in combination with image-guided therapy. Together the companies have calibrated LC Bead LUMI and Philips Live Image Guidance Software to help interventional radiologists and multi-disciplinary teams to visualize better treatment options for patients with liver cancer. As a result, the next generation OncoSuite also features the world’s first optimized imaging for LC Bead LUMI that provides real-time visible confirmation of bead location during embolization procedures. In addition, the new Wiper Movement functionality improves workflow with automatic dual phase imaging, helping physicians to acquire two 3D cone beam CT datasets at different times of the procedure in a single step.
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The latest addition to the Stat Profile product line, Stat Profile Prime ES, has gained CE mark certification for release in CE regulated countries. Prime ES incorporates Nova Biomedical’s innovative no-maintenance sensor card technology for a smaller, faster, and less expensive electrolyte analyser. Compact and lightweight, Prime ES provides a comprehensive electrolyte profile including Na, K, Cl, iCa, and iMg in just 60 seconds from 50 microliters of whole blood. Stat Profi le Prime’s no-maintenance technology comprises a single MicroSensor Card that contains all sensors for Na, K, Cl, iCa, and iMg with a 32-day use life, and a reagent cartridge containing all calibration reagents. The MicroSensor Card and reagent cartridge are both maintenance free and easily replaced in seconds. This design optimizes the life of each, improves analyser uptime, and reduces costs. Credit card-sized, the MicroSensor Card is always calibrated and ready to deliver a stat electrolyte profile. Stat Profile Prime’s Clot Block sample flow path protects the MicroSensor Card from blockages and downtime caused by blood clots. A safety sample port aspirates samples directly from syringes, tubes, cups, and ampoules, eliminating sample transfer steps and saving time. Acceptable samples include whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. Simple to operate with a colour touchscreen and built-in barcode scanner for positive patient ID, Stat Profile Prime ES may be used in a fixed location virtually anywhere in a hospital/clinic or operated on a mobile cart with a battery back-up. An optional 10-sample removable tray provides serial batch testing for serum, plasma, and urine samples. Prime ES patient results can be easily interfaced to the LIS/HIS with the industry standard POCT 1-A2 connectivity format.
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To sharply focus on the specialized requirements in echocardiography, Toshiba engineers have built the new Aplio i900CV with a total redesign of hardware and software. The new Aplio i-series is a premium addition to the award-winning Aplio 500 platform, which is used in over 31,000 clinical settings to date. The system works very fast with a reduced requirement for user interaction, which translates into a significant time saving for the echocardiography lab.
The Aplio i-series features an architecture that gives it on-board capabilities for ultra-fast processing of advance applications, and with a new range of high frequency and ultra-wideband transducers. New with the Aplio i900CV is a 3-D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) transducer that brings the possibility to view aortic leaflets, or to measure mitral valve parameters where it is possible not only to see the opening, but even also the stitches where the valve has been repaired. Yet, thanks to the new ultra-wideband transducers, a TEE exam is not always required. With the wider coverage and the extremely good penetration up to 28 centimetres, it is possible to evaluate the aortic valve area with a transthoracic approach. Clinicians are able to see distinctly four-chamber views, and have found excellent resolution in subcostal
views. Using a hybrid format in one display makes it possible to see calcified segments of coronary arteries derived from CT along with a quantification of the stenosis thanks to 3-D strain imaging, and at the same time a superimposition to the myocardium derived by CT. Using an innovative tool called Activation Imaging, it is possible to add measurements to determine torsion, an important parameter for a variety of diseases, or see areas where there is delayed contraction. Rest and stress, related to a specific coronary artery, can be seen as a superimposition on a CT image, enabling clinicians to make a decision as to intervention. At the heart of an enhanced image quality is the iBeam technology. Electrical dynamic focus with individual matrix element control and multiplexing with ultra-fast processing narrows and sharpens the signal for real-time 3-D beam forming. Advanced features include Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging (SMI) that combines the new transducers for more brilliant images with reduced motion artefacts, allowing extensive perfusion examination capabilities across all regions of human anatomy; Quad Fusion capability for interventional procedures or advanced diagnostics, with a simultaneous combination of CT/MRI images with real-time ultrasound and 3-D ultrasound rendering of a live procedure; super precise 3-D imaging boosted by Aplio i-series iBeam and thin slice acquisition to render near-photo quality images of anatomical structures.
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