Magnetic Resonance (MR)

Information and opinions presented in this article were derived from the author’s interview with Mr. Stephen Mitchell (Philips Healthcare – Senior Director, MR Imaging Systems, North America) and Mr. Steve Kelly (Philips Healthcare – Director, Public Relations & Corporate Communications). Supplemental information was obtained from Philips’ RSNA media kit, corporate web site and other public information sources.

SummaryPhilips continues to be the only vendor offering a full portfolio of closed-bore MR (Achieva™ 1.5T /3.0T) systems complimented by an open, vertical field (Panorama HFO) product.

The Achieva™ 1.5T XR is a unique product and marketing innovation that allows customers to purchase a 1.5T system with the flexibility to upgrade to a 3.0T quickly and efficiently. This flexibility may also positively impact lease residual values.

RSNA Press Release

Philips’ media kit contained one release relevant to MR technology: Philips Helps Hospitals Strike Balance Between Innovation And Value (November 27, 2009).

Product Line

Philips’ current MR product line is summarized in the table below.

NA à Information “Not Available” | X à Information “Not Applicable”

Notes:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w        <!--[endif]-->Panorama HFO is a boreless, vertical field MR product. Dimensions of the patient aperture – height and width – are provided instead of “bore diameter.”

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w        <!--[endif]-->Product data was derived from a combination of four sources:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§         <!--[endif]-->Interview with Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Kelly,

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§         <!--[endif]-->Philips’ RSNA 2009 media kit (link),

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§         <!--[endif]-->Philips Healthcare web site (link) and

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§         <!--[endif]-->Aunt Minnie Buyer’s Guide (link).

Discussion

Philips was not promoting new MR products at RSNA this year. So, the interview focused on Philip’s view of the MR market and current portfolio. Mr. Mitchell emphasized that Philips “is not a niche player.” The company has a global presence and a full portfolio of MR products and applications.

What are Philips’ customers most concerned about?

In North America, total cost of ownership is clearly the priority. Scanner productivity and efficiency are consistently among buyer’s top concerns.

What strategies has Philips employed to address the current recessionary environment in Medical Imaging?

Philips offers systems that span the price range.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w        <!--[endif]-->The Achieva™ 1.5T SE offers a 1.5T system for budget-oriented customers (< US $1 million). Philips also sells refurbished Achieva™ units starting at US $550 thousand.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w        <!--[endif]-->The Achieva™ 1.5T XR is the only 1.5T system available that is “rampable” to 3.0T without a magnet swap. The ability to adopt 3.0T technology via software and accessory upgrades can save customers up to US $1 million dollars compared to full scanner replacement.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w        <!--[endif]-->The Achieva™ 3.0T TX is one of the most powerful MR imaging systems currently available. It includes proprietary multi-channel RF transmission technology that automatically adjusts RF signal. This system is capable of reducing scan times up to 40%.

Where to you see 3T+ heading within Philips’ lineup and the marketplace overall?

The Achieva™ 3.0T TX is commercially available worldwide. Although stronger magnets exist – Philips has a 7T research magnet – 3T systems will be the strongest for the foreseeable future.

Is there a loss of image quality when going from 60 cm to 70 cm bore diameter?

Increasing patient bore diameter comes with many challenges. Relative quality depends on the ability to maintain:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w        <!--[endif]-->Magnetic field homogeneity,

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w        <!--[endif]-->Gradient coil linearity and

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w        <!--[endif]-->Signal-to-noise ratio.

Also, field-of-view is lower on 70 cm systems. Customers should carefully evaluate image quality before selecting an MR system.

What is Philip’s position in coil technology?

Philips acquired Invivo in 2006, providing the company a leadership position in RF coil technology. Philips currently offers up to 32 RF receiver channels on MR coil arrays.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Information and opinions presented in this article were derived from the author’s interview with Mr. Jason Plante (Philips Healthcare – Director, Global Field Marketing, Computed Tomography) and supplemented with information from Philips’ RSNA media kit, corporate web site and other public information sources.

Summary

Philips did not announce any new CT systems at RSNA 2009. The company continues to be a leader in CT technology, offering a broad portfolio of products at several price/capability points. If you count slices, Philips is in second place (256-slice maximum). And, third place (128-slices) is a 50% step down.

More interesting to me is Philips’ efforts in the area of radiation dose management. The company’s stated goal – delivering all CT procedures with less than 1 mSv radiation per scan – is encouraging. Philips is the only CT vendor interviewed that explicitly stated a quantitative objective.

Philips was also the company most actively promoting advances in radiation dose management at RSNA 2009. The company’s press release describes six “new solutions to redefine imaging and manage dose for patients and clinicians, alike.”

RSNA Press Releases

Philips’ media kit contained two releases relevant to CT technology:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w  <!--[endif]-->Philips Helps Hospitals Strike Balance Between Innovation And Value (November 27, 2009) and

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w  <!--[endif]-->Philips Responds To Industry Concerns With Focus On Radiation Dose Management Products Designed For Clinicians And Patients (November 29, 2009).

Discussion

What is Philips’ take on the CT “slice wars?”

The slice wars seem to have wound down over the past few years. The technology has matured. And, the market has reached the point where diminishing marginal returns are a factor. The small incremental benefit of incremental slice capability is outweighed by the resulting increase in system complexity and cost.

What is Philips’ philosophy, approach and direction regarding radiation dose management?

Cumulative radiation exposure is clearly a concern within the entire industry. Philips is focused on managing and reducing exposure for both patients and healthcare professionals. Philips objective is to deliver all procedures with less than 1 mSv per scan. This has already been achieved for several pediatric, thoracic and cardiac procedures.

Two specific advancements from Philips were offered as examples of the company’s commitment and progress in radiation dose management.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w  <!--[endif]-->This year, Philips introduced new image reconstruction technology (iDose RapidView IR) that enables 20 times faster reconstruction than current hardware and lowers X-ray dose up to 80 percent while maintaining diagnostic image quality.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w  <!--[endif]-->DoseAware enables real-time visualization, display and tracking of clinical staff X-ray dose exposure to help healthcare professionals manage their radiation exposure.

Describe Phillips’ CT product line.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w  <!--[endif]-->Philips’ Brilliance™ iCT platform is available in 128- and 256-slice configurations. It also offers an industry-best rotation speed of 0.27 seconds, improving image quality by reducing the effects of patient motion.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w  <!--[endif]-->Philips’ Brilliance™ CT platform is available in 6, 16 and 64-slice configurations.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->w  <!--[endif]-->Philips also offers the MX 16-slice CT for budget-oriented customers.