Philips has announced the introduction of Vision 2005, a series of important product upgrades, new system configurations and enhancements spread across its ultrasound product line. Key highlights include the introduction of new pediatric cardiology capabilities and enhanced vascular capabilities on the iE33, cardiology capabilities and photo-quality 3D fetal imaging on the iU22 and on-cart and off-cart upgrades to QLAB Quantification Software, on both platforms.

In the past year Philips Medical Systems introduced several new ultrasound platforms that are defining the future of ultrasound imaging and setting new boundaries for image quality, intelligent functionality and clinical versatility. Advances such as xMATRIX array technology, award-winning PureWave crystals, user-centered ergonomics and 3D volume quantification are driving a fundamental change in the capabilities and use of ultrasound.

"A new generation of high-quality digital 3D and 4D data sets are making ultrasound a key tool for assessment, diagnosis, guiding procedures and monitoring patient outcomes," said Barbara Franciose, CEO, ultrasound, for Philips Medical Systems. "Vision 2005 provides major enhancements in these key areas which will help expedite the changing and growing role of ultrasound."

The ever-increasing number of heart failure patients around the world and the growing use of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has made the iE33 3DQ Advanced software a popular tool among leading physicians. 3DQ Advanced is used to measure the contractility of the heart to help determine which patients are the best candidates for CRT. Vision 2005 includes the introduction on the iE33 of 3D synchronicity indices (3DSI). These indices can standardize 3D evaluation for CRT by providing a 3D quantitative method for evaluating cardiac dyssynchrony using the standard deviation of minimum LV regional volumes as a percentage of the cardiac cycle.

Pediatric heart patients can now benefit from many of the advanced features of the iE33 echocardiography system with a new pediatric cardiology package. Special transducers and pediatric capabilities have been added to optimize the special physical characteristics of the smaller patient. Included is a new pediatric Multiplane TEE (transesophegial echo) transducer that can be used to improve imaging during delicate cardiac surgeries and procedures.

These new enhancements should further add to the popularity of the iE33 that recently reached the milestone of 1000 units shipped worldwide in just ten months.

Vision 2005 expands the versatility of the iU22 intelligent ultrasound system, providing faster volume rates in 4D and images that are almost photographic quality. By adding Philips exclusive SonoCT compound imaging, many subtle features of a fetus become clearly visible. The clarity of the images also opens new capabilities for the physician when examining the liver, kidneys and other organs or when performing ultrasound-guided procedures.

The latest advances in transducer technology, including xMATRIX array and PureWave crystal technology are now available on the iU22. The X3-1 xMATRIX array transducer enables true, real-time, 4D volume-rendered imaging for general imaging as well as cardiac applications. The new S5-1 transducer provides appreciable improvements in image clarity and its PureWave crystal technology allows one transducer to do the work of what previously required two.

Expansions in a growing number of on-cart and off-cart quantification capabilities and a new L9-3 transducer have also been added to the iU22. Now clinicians can expand their clinical practice with high performance vascular capabilities that offer accurate measurement of intima media thickness (IMT), a key indicator for determining heart health and probability of stroke. Physicians can also utilize the 3D Viewer to review, display and rotate 3D data sets and create MPI (multiplaner reconstruction) views, similar to those used in MR and CT. Advanced analysis tools allow review of contrast loops and creation of Microvascular Imaging (MVI) files that visualize blood flow in extremely small vessels. Cardiac quantification of 3D datasets and Strain Quantification (SQ) are also available.

Additional information about Philips Medical Systems ultrasound products and the latest Vision 2005 enhancements is available at: www.medical.philips.com/ultrasound.