Royal Philips has introduced three new magnetic resonance (MR) Smart Fit coils at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), in Chicago, US.
The new solutions include the Smart Fit Torso Cardiac 1.5T coil, the Smart Fit 1.5T shoulder coil, and the Smart Fit Knee 1.5T coil.
Radiofrequency (RF) coils are specialised devices that emit and receive radiofrequency signals to create detailed images of internal body structures.
The Smart Fit Torso Cardiac 1.5T coil is designed to help doctors and healthcare workers view the internal structures of the head, body, or extremities with the ability to bend more than 90°. According to Phillips, the Smart Fit 1.5T shoulder coil will reduce setup time by 10% compared to 1.5T MSK 16 (dual coil setup). The Smart Fit Knee 1.5T coil has not yet received 510(K) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning it is not available for sale in the US. Both the torso cardiac coil and the shoulder coil gained 510(K) approval on 1 September 2023.
In the announcement, Philips MR general manager Ruud Zwerink said: “Our new Smart Fit coils are an integral part of our patient-centric workflows in MR, with a focus on raising productivity and simplifying workflow.
“They combine with our advanced AI-powered software that reduces scanning time and dramatically cuts the number of steps needed to complete an exam. These newly designed coils will help to speed up the MR exam process, improving both efficiency and the overall experience for patients.”
This adds to a range of announcements made by Philips at the RSNA, including new artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solutions for healthcare providers. EPIQ Elite 10.0 and Philips Affiniti are the new ultrasound systems that feature a single-user interface integrated with shared transducers and automated tools for reducing complexity and improving user experience.
GE Healthcare also exhibited its new AI tech at the RSNA, including the SIGNA Champion, a 1.5T scanner that has AI-supported workflows and technologies such as Sonic DL, which GE HealthCare claims can reduce scan times by 50%. GE HealthCare also launched the MyBreastAI suite – a platform of AI apps to help with breast cancer detection and workflows. A 2023 report by GlobalData predicts that global revenue for AI platforms will reach $908.7bn by 2030.
Philips recorded better-than-expected earnings this year after the recall of millions of positive airway pressure devices. The medical device company announced its Q3 FY 2023 results last month, reporting adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, and amortisation (EBITA) of €457m ($501m). The devices used to help patients sleep were involved in a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall, by the FDA.
