Philips Releases AI Ultrasound Tech to Speed Exams, Boost Clinical Confidence

Philips has released new software for its EPIQ Elite and Affiniti ultrasound imaging platforms. The company said the update addresses the need for faster workflows and more efficient diagnostic processes.

Both sets now have over 100 new image quality presets for abdomen, vascular, small parts, pediatrics and OB/GYN across a variety of transducers and tissue-specific presets. The release also features cybersecurity and data control, as well as remote software upgrade capabilities.

The new Elevate Release integrates proactive monitoring and expanded virtual access capabilities via Collaboration Live. This way, care teams can diagnose patients, consult with colleagues remotely, and access ultrasound systems for remote troubleshooting.

New automation features include Quick Launch presets to streamline platform setup and accelerate routine procedures. Philips said during abdominal exams, they can reduce the time it takes to optimize imaging acquisition by up to half. Image brightness and uniformity are also automated, reducing button pushes by up to 54%, according to the company.

Liver elastography with Philips ElastQ Imaging, a non-invasive ultrasound test that measures liver stiffness, can help diagnose liver conditions and offers a painless way to evaluate liver health without needing a biopsy. With the automation of liver elastography, Auto ElastQ reduces liver shear wave elastography exam time by up to 60%, Philips said.

The Philips Affiniti system now features a first-of-kind artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled automated segmental wall motion scoring tool to help identify subtle changes in function as cardiac disease progresses. Using AI, this feature removes the inter-user variability typically seen with manual wall motion scoring to help enhance a more confident diagnosis.

The company also partnered with Koios Medical for AI-based clinical decision support for breast lesions and thyroid nodules.

“We worked with leading imaging professionals to enhance every single step in the ultrasound exam, from patient set-up to image acquisition and quantitative measurement, and leveraged the power of AI to bring the most significant advancements in the high-end ultrasound segment in over a decade,” said Bita Alu, Business Leader for General Imaging, Point of Care, and Women’s Health at Philips Ultrasound. “With this latest release, we address the greatest challenges facing health systems across their clinical operations, streamlining and enhancing ultrasound exams to increase workflow efficiency and throughput to address staff shortages and high patient volumes. Delivering an intuitive user interface across both EPIQ Elite and Affiniti systems, we have enhanced the user experience and reduced training time for new staff members, providing imaging professionals with the high-resolution image quality needed for confident first-time-right diagnoses to help improve patient outcomes.”