Phillips' NeuroSuite X-ray System Improves Brain Scan Procedures - Analyst Blog

Royal Phillips PHG recently unveiled NeuroSuite, a novel X-ray system which will assist minimally invasive neurological surgeries. This X-ray solution will provide effective device placement in live image-guided neuroradiology procedures, thereby extending treatment options. The solution will be officially launched at the Live Interventional Neuroradiology & Neurosurgery Course, held in Paris from Jun 23–25.

Neuroradiology is a branch of radiology that involves the diagnosis and treatment of the brain, head, neck and spine through minimal invasion. Such treatments require the insertion of a catheter, which must be navigated through a very narrow (with vessels less than 2 mm wide) and tortuous vasculature to the treatment site with the aid of live image guidance. Many new devices have been launched for improving the treatment of ischemic stroke or large neck aneurism. However, the miniature designs cannot be clearly detected in X-rays, hence making it difficult to make assessments.

Overcoming these challenges, Philips' NeuroSuite comes with a bi-plane interventional X-ray system with an exceptional combination of two new detectors: Philips' frontal FD20 and lateral FD15 detectors. The frontal FD20 detector delivers live 2D and 3D imaging to facilitate navigation and immediate therapy feedback. The smaller, lateral FD15 detector can be positioned very close to the head. This shorter distance and unique combination of detectors enables sharp, full brain imaging at lower X-ray dose and 3D imaging optimized for neuro and spine interventions. To add to the advantages, the solution provides image clarity while significantly reducing the radiation dose by 73% with Phillips AlluraClarity.

The first NeuroSuite X-ray system was launched at a hospital in Sweden. NeuroSuite is currently not available in the U.S.

Phillips is a leading consumer electronics company, with its Healthcare division accounting for about 43% of its total revenue in fiscal 2013. The company's Healthcare segment is the third largest manufacturer of medical diagnostic equipment, which includes X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance, medical information technology IT, nuclear medicine, patient monitoring, information management and resuscitation products, as well as a comprehensive range of services.

Phillips currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the sector include Universal Electronics Inc. UEIC, Garmin Ltd. GRMN and GigOptix, Inc. GIG. While Universal Electronics sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Garmin and GigOptix carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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