Philips IMR offers new capabilities to simultaneously reduce CT Radiation and enhance image quality

ANDOVER, Mass., June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced new capabilities for its Iterative Model Reconstruction (IMR) technology, a knowledge-based iterative reconstruction technique, that will simultaneously bring enhanced benefits to clinicians and patients. The new capabilities were announced at the International Society for Computed Tomography's (ISCT) 15th Annual International Symposium on Multidetector-Row CT, and include IMR's ability to simultaneously deliver lower radiation dose^[1] to patients and improved image quality to physicians when acquiring computed tomography (CT) scans with a Philips modality. The new capabilities also mark the first time a knowledge-based solution takes benefits previously realized only in routine body imaging to advanced neuro and cardiovascular applications.

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With Philips IMR, low dose and enhanced image quality can be delivered together in CT imaging. With IMR, clinicians acquiring CT images can simultaneously lower radiation dose by 60-80 percent, with 43-80 percent improvement in low-contrast detectability and 70-83 percent less image noise, relative to standard reconstruction techniques.

"The ability to perform high-quality CT images with reduced radiation dose to patients is critical to their care," said Dianna M. E. Bardo, M.D., associate professor of radiology, pediatrics and cardiovascular medicine, director of cardiac radiology, pediatric neuroradiologist, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore. "IMR is a meaningful innovation that will help improve patient care and outcomes by improving image quality for low dose examinations. As a pediatric radiologist, I can confidently acquire diagnostic images without compromising the care of my patients. This is especially important since many pediatric patients may require frequent imaging throughout their life."  

A key component of the new capabilities is that the benefits of IMR can now be realized beyond routine head and body imaging and applied to advanced neuro and cardiovascular applications. Overcoming traditional reconstruction challenges in these applications was a major engineering accomplishment, and more importantly enables benefits across a broad range of patients. 

"Philips is the only provider to offer IMR, leading the charge in solving clinical challenges that advance the future of imaging," said Dominic Smith, vice president and general manager, Computed Tomography, Philips Healthcare. "As the complexity of health care evolves, and demands on innovative clinical solutions increase, a solution that helps attain high quality, low-dose images for confident diagnosis is well-positioned to meet those needs. Philips' IMR technology is helping clinicians keep patient care at the forefront while enhancing diagnostic confidence."

For more information on Philips' IMR, please visit: www.philips.com/IMR.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Rachel Bloom-Baglin
Philips Healthcare Communications
Tel: +1 (978) 659-3748
Email: [email protected]

About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2012 sales of EUR 24.8 billion and employs approximately 116,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

SOURCE Royal Philips