Philips has announced major improvements to its image guided therapy system – Azurion – with the launch of the new Azurion neuro biplane system. This new system features capabilities for improved imaging and flexibility in arc positioning. The system is designed to improve neurovascular procedures and help healthcare teams make the right decisions faster, treat more patients and achieve better patient outcomes.
Minimally invasive procedures are an important part of the diagnosis and treatment of stroke. In the event of a stroke, every minute counts in maintaining the patient’s quality of life. Interventional systems such as the Azurion are also used to perform and plan complex neurovascular procedures, such as the treatment of brain aneurysms or birth defects. By enabling physicians to treat more patients more efficiently and with potentially better outcomes, the new Philips Azurion neuro biplane system improves both staff and patient experiences and helps lower healthcare costs.
“Working closely with leading physicians, we have designed the latest Azurion neuro biplane to meet their demands for patient care, optimized angio suite performance and an efficient return on investment,” said Ruben De Baere, Head of Image Guided Therapy at Philips Benelux. “I am convinced that together we can reduce the impact of strokes, allowing patients to continue living healthily after a stroke.”
Philips’ Azurion neuro biplane image-guided therapy system is designed to facilitate and optimize procedural workflows that require a combination of 2D and 3D imaging for reliable diagnosis and precision treatment. Combined with the latest Neuro Suite software and services, it provides users with a fully integrated solution that combines Philips’ world-class ClarityIQ low-dose imaging with a range of dedicated neuro tools* and value-added services that deliver unprecedented levels of efficiency, provide flexibility and control.
New features in the Azurion neuro biplane system include improved C-arm motion facilities that enable rapid transition from 2D to 3D imaging, expanded table-top controls that eliminate the need to enter the sterile room exit, automatic beam rotation for correctly oriented images at every angle and rotation, and a new head immobilizer to support improved stroke care.
Accelerating stroke treatment
One in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke at some point in their lives [1]. Globally, direct and indirect costs are estimated at approximately $891 billion per year [2]. The key to reducing the personal, social and financial impact of a stroke is the following statement ‘time saves brain cells – time is brain’. The sooner a stroke is treated, the better the possible outcome.
For ischemic stroke, which accounts for 87% of all strokes [3], the benefits of intra-arterial treatment (IAT), catheter-based procedures for mechanically disrupting or removing blood clots (mechanical thrombectomy), and/or injecting clot-dissolving agents , within 6 hours of the onset of symptoms, generally accepted [4]. As mechanical thrombectomy becomes the standard for the treatment of ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO), demand for multi-use angio suites that allow physicians to work quickly and efficiently has increased rapidly.
In addition to the efficiency-enhancing features of its Azurion platform, Philips maximizes the availability (uptime) of its solution by using complex artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to monitor system performance through the new remote connection services of the Philips ServiceHub. These services proactively communicate, monitor and respond to potential service issues. For example, they predict likely component failures at least 7 days in advance so that planned preventive action can be taken.
With its extensive stroke portfolio, Philips supports healthcare professionals at every crucial step in the stroke care journey. The result is smart stroke solutions designed to support care.
* SmartCT Soft Tissue helical, Aneurysm Flow, SmartCT Dual Phase Cerebral
[1] World Stroke Organization (WSO): Global Stroke Fact Sheet 2022 (https://www.world-stroke.org/assets/downloads/WSO_Global_Stroke_Fact_Sheet.pdf)
[2] Owolabi MO, Thrift AG, Mahal A, et al.; Stroke Experts Collaboration Group. Primary stroke prevention worldwide: translating evidence into action. Lancet Public Health. 2022 Jan;7(1):e74-e85. doi: 10.1016/S2468-2667(21)00230-9. Epub 2021 Oct 29. Erratum in: Lancet Public Health. 2022 Jan;7(1):e14. PMID: 34756176; PMCID: PMC8727355. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(21)00230-9/fulltext
[3] Virani S.S., Alonso A., Benjamin E.J., et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2020 Update: A Report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2020;141:e139–e596. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000757. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000757?rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed&url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org
[4] NHS England UK: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mechanical-thrombectomy-for-acute-ischaemic-stroke-ERRATA-29-05-19.pdf
About Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Koninklijke Philips N.V. (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology provider focused on improving people’s health and achieving better healthcare outcomes across the entire health continuum, from healthy living and prevention to diagnostics, treatment and home care. Philips uses advanced technologies and deep insights into clinical applications and consumer needs to develop integrated solutions. The company is a market leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided treatments, medical IT applications, patient monitoring, home care systems and consumer health applications. Philips’ head office is located in the Netherlands. With approximately 69,700 employees worldwide and sales and service points spread across more than 100 countries, its health technology activities will generate a turnover of 18.2 billion euros in 2023. For news about Philips, please visit www.philips.nl.