Download Philips Announces System with PiezoCrystal Transducer

Press Information
Philips introduces first echocardiography system to generate 3D measurements of the
heart in less than one minute
New system helps physicians quickly identify heart disease and make treatment
decisions
Andover, Massachusetts, USA – Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today
announced the launch of a new generation of cardiac ultrasound equipment that uses high
definition imaging to help physicians diagnose heart disease and on-cart data analysis tools that
help make treatment decisions and monitor their success. The iE33 intelligent
echocardiography system features extraordinary levels of 2D image quality, powerful 2D and
3D measurement of cardiac function and anatomy, Live 3D imaging of the beating heart, and
user centered ergonomics. The iE33 system also offers a wide range of high-performance
features including voice-activated control and automated image optimization technologies.
The iE33 is the first premium echocardiography system to feature fully integrated 2D and 3D
cardiac quantification software for measurements such as left ventricle (LV) volume and
ejection fraction, key indicators of heart health. Physicians can use the data acquired from these
types of examinations to potentially determine treatment options and monitor the patient’s
progress.
“Now that there are so many CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) and valve disease patients, the
ability to quantify is becoming more and more important,” said Roberto M. Lang, M.D.,
Director of Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging Labs, University of Chicago Hospitals. “Having
quantification on the iE33 system gives us the cutting edge tools we need to link the numbers
and outcomes.”
The QLAB quantification software on the system uses three-dimensional border detection to
provide rapid access to ventricular volumes of the whole heart and waveforms that show the
function of 17 different segments of the heart simultaneously.
“We now can analyze global LV volume curves and regional waveforms to identify and
measure LV regional timing,” said Mark J. Monaghan, M.D., Director of Non-Invasive
Cardiology, King's College Hospital, London.
Improved image quality for both 2D and Live 3D imaging is available using the iE33 system.
The system’s new line of transducers includes the S5-1 with PureWave crystal technology; the
biggest breakthrough in transducer material in 40 years. PureWave is an entirely new class of
piezoelectric material (the “crystal” that transmits and receives ultrasound) whose properties
allow greater transmit efficiency than conventional transducers. The resulting 2D and color
flow images display astonishingly crisp and clear anatomic and physiological details that help to
enhance diagnostic confidence, even on the most technically challenging patients.
“The S5-1 transducer offers a significant advancement in image quality in both difficult and
easy-to-image patients. The result nicely accentuates true anatomical structures including
endocardial border definition which helps us to assess wall motion and accurately quantify LV
function and ejection fraction,” said Monaghan.
Philip’s next generation xMATRIX transducer technology, the core of Live 3D Echo, is utilized
in the new X3-1 transducer. Tuned for the greater adult population, this fully sampled matrix
array transducer delivers true, real-time 3D volumes that allow physicians to examine the
beating heart as if they were holding it in their hands. It also allows Live xPlane Imaging,
which displays two simultaneous views of the heart from the same heartbeat. One image is a
2D baseline reference and the second image can be any of 180 different views within the 3D
space.
Complicating the challenges facing clinicians is the fact that 80 percent of sonographers have
experienced work related pain. This results in reduced patient throughput and increased
employee health claims. The iE33 system has been designed to address these challenges with a
unique ergonomic design that adjusts to the user. It also has hands-free voice command, onebutton automated optimization controls for quick and consistent image acquisition between
users of varying skill levels, and a simpler, easy-to-use interface. A recent study* has shown the
Philips system design to be the only one of six comparable systems that meets the SDMS
(Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography) Industry Standards for independent height
adjustment of the monitor and control panel and the full range of viewing distances.
“The iE33 demonstrates the Philips commitment to producing products designed around our
customers that are technically advanced, yet easy to use,” said Barbara Franciose, CEO,
Ultrasound, Philips Medical Systems. “Now, more than ever, users can focus on clinical
diagnoses and less on system controls and optimization.”
The iE33 intelligent echocardiography system will be showcased starting in October at major
medical imaging conferences and in an iE33 World Tour. Additional information on the Philips
iE33 system is available at: www.medical.philips.com/iE33
*A
comparison of Six Ultrasound Systems with Regard to Conformance to the Industry Standards for the
Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography. Albin, JH. Ultrasound Benchmark Study,
July 2004.
For further information please contact:
USA:
Heidi Wilson, Philips Medical Systems
Tel: +1 978 659 7302
[email protected]
Steve Kelly, Philips Medical Systems
Tel: +1 425 487 7479
[email protected]
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is one of the world's
biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of $32.8 billion (EUR 29 billion
in 2003). With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology
and 166,800 employees in more than 60 countries, it has market leadership positions in medical
diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and
silicon system solutions. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
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