Philips introduces new contrast-enhanced ultrasound application to enhance diagnostic confidence for cancer patients

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Super resolution contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) application available on EPIQ Elite ultrasound system

When diagnosing and treating cancer patients, the dynamics of blood flow to and from a suspected lesion can provide clinicians with valuable diagnostic information. For example, blood flow through a liver tumor can offer insights into how likely it is that the cancer could spread. The current standard of care for assessing lesion blood flow requires the intravenous injection of an iodinated contrast media that is not well tolerated by some patients. In these instances, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is rapidly becoming a viable alternative as an increasingly important tool for lesion characterization.

Instead of using an iodinated contrast media, CEUS leverages micro-bubble contrast media, based on an inert gas that is excreted via the patient’s breathing. With the introduction of Philips Microvascular Imaging Super Resolution Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) on Philips Ultrasound System – EPIQ Elite – CEUS imaging now delivers up to 200% better spatial resolution than previous offerings.

“Philips’ microvascular imaging allows us to visualize the pattern of contrast media flow into a lesion, and also shows how it changes over time, which gives us greater diagnostic confidence in assessing indeterminate lesions,” said Professor Dirk-André Clevert, Professor of Radiology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany. “Sharing our knowledge about how to use this latest technology and interpret the results has been greatly enhanced by Philips’ latest Collaboration Live software [1], which allows us to remotely train external sonographers and guide them through procedures.”

Delivering exceptional detail and enhanced patient safety

Like other CEUS modalities, super resolution microvascular imaging (MVI) does not expose patients to ionizing radiation and is generally more cost-effective and more accessible. Compared to iodinated contrast media, adverse reaction rates to the micro-bubble contrast media used for CEUS are also much lower.

EPIQ Elite is a premium ultrasound system that combines the latest advances in transducer innovation and enhanced performance to help improve clinical confidence and deliver personalized care for patients. Featuring a wide range of multiple diagnostic applications and tools tailored to meet the needs of specific medical specialties, EPIQ Elite offers exceptional levels of clinical performance combined with the workflow efficiency needed to meet the challenges of today’s demanding practices.

Philips Ultrasound System – EPIQ Elite – with Microvascular Imaging Super Resolution CEUS is being showcased by Philips at the International Bubble Conference (September 7-8, 2023, Chicago, USA), where Professor Clevert will give a presentation titled ‘New Super Resolution MVI and Time of Arrival Imaging (TOA) in the Characterization of Liver Lesions.’ Visit Philips EPIQ Elite for more information on Philips premium ultrasound.

[1] Contract required. Collaboration Live is intended for remote diagnostic use on release 9 or higher.