Philips New Handheld Ultrasound System Offers Premium Image Quality In A Portable System

Main Category: MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 07 Aug 2008 - 0:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHI) announced the launch of its advanced handheld ultrasound system, the Philips CX50 CompactXtreme. Designed to meet the needs of cardiologists for clear diagnostic data at the bedside, the new compact system combines the image quality expected of a traditional, premium, full-size system with the convenience of portability.

"Following extensive research into clinicians' needs, we've designed a laptop-sized system that can help them get to patients quickly-no matter where they are in the hospital or clinic-and which can produce high quality images regardless of the difficulty of the situation at hand," said Anne LeGrand, senior vice president and general manager, Ultrasound, for Philips Healthcare.

"Clinicians told us that small, portable systems are beneficial, as long as the image quality can help them make a confident diagnosis. If poor image quality from a handheld system results in inconclusive data, repeat exams may be needed at the cost of additional time and money. The CX50 was designed to consistently deliver high-quality images, even in technically challenging patients."

The CX50 CompactXtreme, which was first showcased during Philips' recent analyst day on May 16, features Philips breakthrough PureWave transducer, which is clinically proven to improve penetration in difficult-to-image patients and to reduce clutter so clinicians can view fine structures in excellent detail. It also features Philips XRES adaptive image processing for reduced speckle and haze inherent with ultrasound imaging. As a result, images are virtually free from noise and have extraordinary clarity and edge definition.

"Philips CX50 CompactXtreme system is truly the most advanced ultrasound system available today because its excellent image quality allows us to diagnose our patients quickly and confidently at the bedside," said Thomas Buck, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Essen, West German Heart Center, Gesamthochschule, Germany. "The combination of PureWave technology and XRES processing enables the system to deliver the same image quality as full-size systems, allowing full echo data analysis from a portable system without any compromises."

The CX50 CompactXtreme offers portability to address multiple scanning environments. Its built-in handle and battery allow users to pickup-and-go for quick responses. For added convenience, it has a cart designed specifically for the system for effortless maneuvering throughout the hospital. And a wheeled case supports easy travel to remote locations. The system features Philips intuitive user interface, iSCAN automatic optimization and on-cart quantification software (QLAB) to maximize ease of use for clinicians.

The newly launched Philips CX50 CompactXtreme supports adult transthoracic and transesophageal cardiology applications.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 133,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of US$42 billion (EUR 27 billion) in 2007, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.

Royal Philips Electronics