Jan 27, 2021

Philips integrates 3D ultrasound with innovative software for breakthrough in surveillance of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Philips Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Model helps increase diagnostic confidence and improved patient experience compared to current standard of care

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, has introduced the Philips Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Model, providing physicians a more patient-friendly solution compared to the current standard of care for managing AAA patients. Based on 3D ultrasound, Philips AAA Model delivers clinicians accurate diagnostic information without exposing patients to high doses of radiation and nephrotoxic contrast agents.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an aneurysm that forms in the lower part of the aorta. Typically, AAAs are identified incidentally during abdominal imaging exams but, in some cases, remain undetected until rupture. A ruptured AAA has an 80% mortality rate [1], emphasizing the importance of routine surveillance. Philips AAA Model integrates innovative software and leading Philips 3D ultrasound technologies into a single solution to help increase diagnostic confidence and an improved patient experience. The software automatically segments and quantifies the size of the aneurysm sac for surveillance of known native (untreated), and post-EVAR (treated) AAAs.

The current standard of care for AAAs includes 2D ultrasound and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Each of these modalities has its drawbacks, including inter-operator variability with 2D ultrasound and patient exposure to high levels of radiation and nephrotoxic contrast agents with CTA.

A recent clinical study showed that 3D ultrasound examination for native AAA surveillance has excellent inter-operator reproducibility, superior to that of 2D ultrasound, supporting the broader use of 3D ultrasound in standard AAA surveillance programs [2]. 3D ultrasound has been shown to estimate the diameter and volume of an AAA with acceptable reproducibility and an improved agreement (over 2D ultrasound) with CT [3]. Furthermore, 3D ultrasound has also been proven to correlate significantly better to 3D CT than 2D ultrasound for assessing the maximum diameter of the residual sac post-EVAR, with clinically acceptable reproducibility [4].

Philips Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Model seamlessly integrates leading Philips technologies including Philips Premium Ultrasound System (EPIQ Elite), Philips Array Transducer (X6-1 xMATRIX) and innovative software into a single solution, to help improve the experience and outcomes for clinicians and patients alike.

Bich Le

Senior Vice President, General Manager Ultrasound at Philips

“Regular surveillance of abdominal aortic aneurysm patients is essential, but today’s standard of care has downsides,” said Bich Le, Senior Vice President, General Manager Ultrasound at Philips. “Philips Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Model seamlessly integrates leading Philips technologies including Philips Premium Ultrasound System (EPIQ Elite), Philips Array Transducer (X6-1 xMATRIX) and innovative software into a single solution, to help improve the experience and outcomes for clinicians and patients alike.”

Launch of Philips Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Model at LINC 2021

Philips will debut the AAA Model at the LINC (Leipzig Interventional Course) Summit, Europe’s premiere interventional course for vascular specialists, taking place virtually, Jan. 25-29, 2021. Visit Philips at LINC for more information on Philips AAA model, including live demos, and follow @PhilipsLiveFrom for updates throughout the virtual event. LINC attendees are also invited to attend a Symposium on Aortic Aneurysms, Friday, Jan. 29 at 12:30 PM CET, where clinicians will discuss the highest quality of care in complex EVAR procedure with advanced imaging techniques, from planning to follow-up. Participating in the Symposium is Prof. Henrik Sillesen who will address improving AAA measurement accuracy using innovative Ultrasound 3D volume moderation and xMATRIX.

The Philips Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Model is CE marked for sale in Europe and is FDA cleared for sale in the U.S.

[1] Age-specific incidence, risk factors, and outcome of acute abdominal aortic aneurysms in a defined population. Howard DP, Banerjee A, Fairhead JF, et al. Br J Surg. 2015;102(8):907–915. doi:10.1002/bjs.9838
[2] Clinical validation of three-dimensional ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Ghulam, Qasam M. et al., Journal of Vascular Surgery, Volume 71, Issue 1
[3] Three-dimensional ultrasound evaluation of small asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms. Bredahl, K. et al. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Volume 49, Issue 3, 289 – 296
[4] Three-dimensional ultrasound improves the accuracy of diameter measurement of the residual sac in EVAR patients. K. Bredahl, M. Taudorf, A. Long, L. Lönn, L. Rouet, R. Ardon, H. Sillesen, J.P. Eiberg. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Volume 46, Issue 5, 2013

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2020 sales of EUR 19.5 billion and employs approximately 82,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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