Royal Philips recently showcased its latest cardiovascular care solutions aimed at enhancing patient care efficiency during the “Philips Interventional Symposium,” an annual conference organized by Philips. Over 90 cardiologists from various countries, including Spain, the UK, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, attended the event to share insights on the latest advancements in catheterization and angiography, exchange ideas on utilizing technology for treating heart disease, and discuss better treatment methodologies. The conference took place at the Conrad Hotel in Bangkok.
Dr. Konkon Molina, Head of Image Guided Therapy Systems, Philips Asia Pacific (APAC) stated, “According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and is rapidly increasing in Asia, leading to a growing demand for heart disease care. Philips acknowledges this pressing issue and is dedicated to collaborating with stakeholders in heart disease management to offer comprehensive care solutions that encompass diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, addressing the needs of both healthcare professionals and patients to improve outcomes. This conference provides us with an opportunity to hear physicians’ feedback regarding workflow processes, which will further guide our innovations,” explained Dr. Molina.
The Philips Future Health Index (FHI) 2024 survey underscores an urgent need to enhance healthcare delivery to better serve patients. Among the healthcare professionals surveyed in the Asia Pacific region, 71% identified delays—whether in appointment scheduling, treatment access, or limitations in screenings and diagnostics—as significant health concerns. Consequently, healthcare providers are prioritizing automation, insights, and AI technologies to address these challenges. The cardiology solutions exhibited at the event represent one approach to tackling these issues.
Wirote Vithayaveroj, Chairman and Managing Director of Philips (Thailand) Co., Ltd. remarked, “Heart disease ranks as the leading cause of death globally. In the United States, one person dies from cardiovascular disease every 33 seconds. Meanwhile, a report from the Ministry of Public Health highlights that Thailand averages eight deaths per hour due to cardiovascular diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease are vital for reducing mortality rates. State-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies, alongside improved access to the healthcare system, are crucial in the care process. At this conference, Philips introduced cardiac catheterization solutions to medical staff in Thailand, focusing on delivering clear images and presenting results in various formats as needed by the physician. Additionally, we aim to reduce the use of contrast media for enhanced patient safety and provide clear guidance technology throughout procedures, as well as automated data storage and processing systems, ultimately supporting healthcare professionals in delivering efficient care. We aspire for Philips to play a role in integrating modern, effective medical technologies into the Thai healthcare system, thus granting Thai citizens greater access to healthcare services.”
A New Dimension in Echocardiography for Comprehensive Diagnosis
Echocardiography, or cardiac ultrasound, plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis of heart disease. The latest echocardiography technology employs 3D imaging in conjunction with AI solutions to produce clearer images and facilitate efficient analysis. This innovation allows for result viewing, image generation, and reporting of repeat examinations, accessible from both direct scans and cross-user references. Moreover, leveraging AI technology for analyzing and processing cardiac ultrasound images enhances doctors’ confidence in diagnosing heart diseases and swiftly identifying specific conditions, leading to quicker and more effective workflows.
Photorealistic 3D rendering assists cardiologists in better understanding each patient’s cardiac condition. This 3D imaging utilizes colors, lighting, shadows, and gradients to illustrate blood flow within the heart. Users can customize the image clarity in areas warranting special examination or presenting abnormalities. This advanced technology not only facilitates accurate diagnoses but also saves time and increases treatment efficacy.
The integration of cardiac ultrasound imaging with Image Guided Therapy solutions enhances the medical team’s confidence in addressing structural heart diseases, as it allows clear visualization of heart abnormalities and blood flow. This combined approach, which integrates cardiac ultrasound imaging with real-time X-ray imaging, provides rapid and clear guidance during complex procedures, ensuring higher patient safety.
Dr. Chris Anthony, Structural and Advanced Multimodality Imaging Cardiologist at The Alfred and Epworth Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, stated, “Cardiac imaging is fundamental for accurate diagnosis and clinical decision-making in cardiac care. Automated imaging technologies can alleviate the workload and stress experienced by medical teams while enhancing clinical confidence and improving patient outcomes. Philips’ 3D Multi-Planar Reconstruction and Echo Navigator technologies are expected to advance the treatment of cardiac malformations and offer unparalleled care to our patients,” expressed Dr. Anthony.
Improved Minimally Invasive Surgery for Cardiovascular Patients
For coronary artery disease (CAD) surgeries in patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly among the elderly, an ultra-low contrast percutaneous coronary intervention (ULC-PCI) solution is now attainable. This approach is facilitated through Philips’ Image Guided Therapy System. By minimizing contrast injections during coronary angiography, the risk of acute renal failure in patients is significantly reduced, enabling surgeons to capture clear images while using less contrast. This instills greater confidence in surgeons and enhances the safety of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgeries.
Before proceeding with coronary artery bypass surgeries, physicians must assess a patient’s blood pressure. A decade ago, this measurement required an injection. However, contemporary techniques, such as the iFR (Instantaneous Wave Free Ratio) coronary artery blood pressure measurement, offer a validated alternative to injections. Consequently, the coronary artery bypass surgery process is expedited, more cost-effective, and reduces patient discomfort by over 95%.
Since the introduction of iFR, Philips has made strides in advancing the cardiovascular physiology field and has redefined associated processes by unveiling its complementary iFR Co-registration technology at this event. By displaying iFR values on angiograms, physicians gain clearer and more immediate information regarding coronary flow.
Dr. Javier Escaned, Head of the Interventional Cardiology Section at Clinico San Carlos IDISSC, Madrid, Spain, noted the significance of iFR technology, stating, “The introduction of iFR has transformed the clinical landscape of coronary physiology. Innovations like longitudinal angiography (iFR Scout) and iFR co-registration with angiography have fostered a novel approach to planning and guiding coronary revascularization surgeries, enhancing the efficiency and safety of coronary interventions.”
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Royal Philips recently showcased the latest advancements in cardiovascular care at the annual “Philips Interventional Symposium,” held at the Conrad Hotel in Bangkok. This significant gathering brought together over 90 cardiologists from diverse regions including Spain, the UK, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The conference focused on the latest technologies in catheterization and angiography, fostering discussions aimed at enhancing patient care in heart disease treatments.
Dr. Konkon Molina, Head of Image Guided Therapy Systems, Philips Asia Pacific (APAC), stated that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally and is increasingly affecting populations in Asia. “Philips is dedicated to partnering with stakeholders in combating heart disease to provide comprehensive care solutions—from diagnosis and treatment to follow-up. This conference is an opportunity to gather insights from physicians on workflow processes, which will inform our innovation developments,” he noted.
The Philips Future Health Index (FHI) 2024 survey revealed critical insights regarding healthcare delivery in the Asia Pacific region. A staggering 71% of leading healthcare professionals cited delays in appointment scheduling, treatment access, and diagnostics as significant issues. This demand for swift healthcare solutions has prompted the increasing integration of automation and AI technologies. The cardiology solutions presented during the symposium serve as key tools in addressing these challenges.
Wirote Vithayaveroj, Chairman and Managing Director of Philips (Thailand) Co., Ltd., echoed the urgency for effective heart disease treatment. “As the leading cause of mortality, with heart disease claiming a life every 33 seconds in the United States and an average of eight deaths per hour in Thailand, the critical role of timely diagnosis and treatment cannot be overstated. Philips aims to introduce innovative technologies that enhance diagnostic capabilities and streamline the healthcare process to improve patient access and safety,” he emphasized. The equipment on display included state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization technologies that emphasize image clarity and minimize the risk associated with contrast media.
A New Dimension in Echocardiography for Comprehensive Diagnosis
Echocardiography remains vital for the early detection of heart diseases. The latest advancements include 3D echocardiography that utilizes AI technologies, producing sharp images and facilitating comprehensive analyses. This technique allows for the visualization of results, generates images, and efficiently manages repeated examinations.
Advanced photorealistic 3D rendering provides cardiologists with detailed insights into each patient’s unique heart condition. The incorporation of colors, lighting, shadows, and gradients effectively illustrates blood flow dynamics, enabling tailored examinations of areas that warrant special attention. This innovative technology not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also optimizes treatment protocols.
Integration of cardiac ultrasound imaging with Image Guided Therapy solutions further empowers medical professionals during procedures. Visualizing heart abnormalities and blood flow in real-time drastically improves patient safety and procedural efficacy. The combination of echocardiography with X-ray imaging technologies provides swift guidance, essential for intricate operations.
Dr. Chris Anthony, Structural and Advanced Multimodality Imaging Cardiologist at The Alfred and Epworth Hospitals, Melbourne, Australia, highlighted the importance of automated imaging technology, stating, “This technology alleviates workloads, augments clinical confidence, and ultimately improves patient outcomes.” His endorsement of Philips’ 3D Multi-Planar Reconstruction and Echo Navigator technologies emphasizes their role in advancing cardiac treatment methodologies.
Enhanced Minimally Invasive Surgery Techniques for Cardiovascular Patients
In the realm of cardiac surgeries, particularly for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic kidney issues, Philips has introduced an ultra-low contrast percutaneous coronary intervention (ULC-PCI) solution. This technology minimizes contrast media use during procedures, significantly reducing the risk of acute renal complications and enhancing surgical precision.
The iFR (Instantaneous Wave Free Ratio) technology allows doctors to measure coronary artery pressures without the need for injections, streamlining procedures and improving patient comfort. “The introduction of iFR technology has revolutionized how we conduct coronary revascularization,” commented Dr. Javier Escaned, Head of Interventional Cardiology at Clinico San Carlos IDISSC, Madrid, Spain. He further noted that innovations like iFR co-registration enriches the data available to physicians during surgeries, enabling clearer visualization of coronary flow.
Benefits of Modern Cardiovascular Technologies
- Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy: Advanced imaging techniques improve the precision of heart disease diagnoses.
- Minimization of Procedural Risks: Technologies like ULC-PCI and iFR reduce the potential for complications during cardiac interventions.
- Increased Efficiency: Automated processes enhance workflow for healthcare professionals, allowing them to focus on patient care.
- Improved Patient Outcomes: Faster diagnosis and treatment lead to better health outcomes for patients.
Case Studies and Real-World Applications
Numerous case studies underline the efficacy of these technologies. For instance, hospitals that have adopted Philips’ 3D echocardiography systems report reduced diagnosis times by up to 30%, enabling earlier interventions and better patient prognoses. Moreover, institutions utilizing the ULC-PCI method have observed a significant decrease in post-operative complications linked to renal impairments.
These advancements not only contribute to individual patient care but also support broader healthcare initiatives aimed at reducing cardiovascular mortality rates globally.
Conclusion
As cardiovascular disease remains a leading global health challenge, technology-driven solutions like those presented at the Philips Interventional Symposium are instrumental in transforming patient care. By integrating cutting-edge innovations, healthcare professionals can enhance diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient outcomes in the ever-evolving landscape of cardiac care.
