Philips Expands leadership in NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND radiation oncology with innovations DESIGNED to improve accuracy and speed diagnosis

731

Royal Philips Electronics introduced its new BrightView X, a scalable SPECT camera that can be easily upgraded with CT when physicians are ready for the full capabilities of BrightView XCT.

Along with the addition of the new Nuclear Medicine Application Suite on the Extended Brilliance Workstation, Nuclear Medicine now available with the BrightView XCT; SPECT, PET, and CT processing can all be accessed on one common platform, helping to speed diagnosis and streamline workflow. The BrightView XCT, being shown with expanded applications in orthopedics, is a general purpose nuclear medicine SPECT/CT camera that was introduced at last year’s SNM.

Royal Philips Electronics introduced its new BrightView X, a scalable SPECT camera that can be easily upgraded with CT when physicians are ready for the full capabilities of BrightView XCT. Along with the addition of the new Nuclear Medicine Application Suite on the Extended Brilliance Workstation, Nuclear Medicine now available with the BrightView XCT; SPECT, PET, and CT processing can all be accessed on one common platform, helping to speed diagnosis and streamline workflow. The BrightView XCT, being shown with expanded applications in orthopedics, is a general purpose nuclear medicine SPECT/CT camera that was introduced at last year’s SNM.

Philips also introduced its fastest PET scanner, the new third-generation Time-of-Flight platform at the Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) annual meeting, extending its leadership in Time-of-Flight solutions.

“Philips is focused on providing clinical innovations to address the challenges facing nuclear medicine care providers and their patients in areas such as reimbursement and improved treatment efficacy,” said Gene Saragnese, CEO of Imaging Systems, for Philips Healthcare. “We are showcasing a revolutionary portfolio in Nuclear Medicine at SNM this year with the launch of seven new product offerings with exciting clinical proof from our customers. Through these insight-inspired solutions, Philips is giving clinicians the tools to simplify workflow and to improve clinical accuracy across the oncology and cardiac care cycles, and in orthopedic imaging.”

SPECT/CT Hybrid

SPECT/CT has long been utilized in cardiac studies, but with Philips new BrightView XCT there is promise for applications in orthopedic studies, which is a field that typically relies heavily on X-ray imaging. At SNM 2009, Philips will showcase the first “no compromise” SPECT/CT hybrid system to address physicians’ needs for high quality localization and attenuation correction with a flat-panel CT, while still allowing for patient dose reduction and increased diagnostic confidence.

“Philips BrightView XCT is able to detect even small hairline fractures with high spatial resolution,” said Jay Mazelsky, senior vice president, Nuclear Medicine, for Philips Healthcare. “With the growing trend of orthopedic needs in the aging baby boomer population, we recognize physicians’ need for a hybrid modality that offers diagnostic confidence.”

To improve image registration and enhance a positive patient experience, Philips BrightView XCT uses a unique co-planar design that allows the acquisition of SPECT and CT with minimal table movement between scans in most cases. Reducing movement, along with the system’s wide-open gantry and large bore, contribute to improved patient comfort. Flexible breathing protocols also set it apart from other systems by allowing patients to breathe normally during both SPECT and CT scans.

Launching at SNM, Philips new BrightView X* is a scalable version of the BrightView XCT. The mid-level SPECT camera offers a cost-effective option that allows customers the flexibility to purchase SPECT now and add CT later. The transition involves a simple upgrade without a change to the room size or power requirements.

PET Reimbursement and Clinical Proof in Nuclear Oncology

Philips is also introducing the third-generation Time-of-Flight platform for oncology on its GEMINI TF PET/CT. Time-of-flight technology measures the actual time difference between the detection of coincident gamma rays for more accurate localization, producing a higher quality image and allowing for lower tracer dose amounts in patients and shorter imaging times. Philips system is the first commercial PET/CT scanner to break the 500 Pico-second barrier, with the speed to measure a photon within seven centimeters accuracy traveling seven times around the earth in a single second.

“The industry has been excited about the recent CMS expanded coverage for PET reimbursement for new cancers that were not previously covered by Medicare, and these guidelines were changed due in large part to clinical proof from systems like Philips GEMINI TF,” said Mazelsky. “This is also great news for patients, with the improved efficacy of PET in diagnosing and staging of cancer treatment.”

Philips newest Time-of-Flight system, which was launched at SNM 2008, the GEMINI TF Big Bore PET/CT*, is specifically designed for radiation oncologists and their patients. The Big Bore offers excellent lesion detection for diagnosis and staging with Philips revolutionary TruFlight Time-of-Flight PET technology. The system has been installed at three sites throughout the U.S., including the first installation at a proton therapy center at the University of Pennsylvania.

“The large 85 centimeter bore and a rigid table design that meets AAPM’s TG-66 positional accuracy requirements allow us to image patients in their treatment planning positions,expanding PET/CT capabilities beyond diagnosis, staging and follow-up to include therapy planning,” said Chaitanya R. Divgi, M.D., chief, nuclear medicine and clinical molecular imaging section, University of Pennsylvania.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands 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 116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of $38 billion in 2008, 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 www.philips.com/newscenter .

For media inquiries, please contact:

Steve Kelly, Philips Healthcare
Tel: +1 425-487-7479
Email: steve.kelly@philips.com

Ian Race, Philips Healthcare
Tel: +1 978-659-4624
E-mail: ian.race@philips.com