LUMC will use Philips technology in the new Leiden Image Guided Therapy Center to treat more patients minimally invasively

The Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) will implement Philips technology for patient treatment in the newly established Leiden Image Guided Therapy (LIGT) Center. Last week, the center was officially opened by the mayor of Leiden. Philips is providing advanced technology for image-guided therapy at the LIGT Center, including various Azurion interventional systems, an AngioCT Spectral, and two Zenition 70 C-arms.

After a careful testing phase, the first patients will be treated at the Leiden Image Guided Therapy Center on March 19. The center is designed to treat 50 to 60 patients daily. Thanks to its innovative setup and advanced imaging systems, many patients undergoing minimally invasive procedures will be able to return home on the same day.

Minimally invasive image-guided treatments

Image-guided treatments use X-ray systems, CT scans, and ultrasound to perform procedures with high precision using small devices inserted through the vascular system. The new center utilizes various techniques to treat patients with cancer, vascular narrowing or dilation, and stroke.“Without the use of a surgical scalpel, we can access almost any part of the body and perform highly precise localized treatments,” says Mark Burgmans, head of the Interventional Radiology Department at LUMC. “We can open blocked blood vessels, stop internal bleeding, or ablate malignant tumors. This is an innovative approach that makes procedures less risky and less burdensome for patients. Especially with the growing number of elderly and vulnerable patients, this technology offers significant advantages.”

Image-guided treatments use X-ray systems, CT scans, and ultrasound to perform procedures with high precision using small devices inserted through the vascular system. The new center utilizes various techniques to treat patients with cancer, vascular narrowing or dilation, and stroke.“Without the use of a surgical scalpel, we can access almost any part of the body and perform highly precise localized treatments,” says Mark Burgmans, head of the Interventional Radiology Department at LUMC. “We can open blocked blood vessels, stop internal bleeding, or ablate malignant tumors. This is an innovative approach that makes procedures less risky and less burdensome for patients. Especially with the growing number of elderly and vulnerable patients, this technology offers significant advantages.”

“The LIGT Center demonstrates how innovative image-guided therapies are shaping the future of healthcare,” says Bert van Meurs, Chief Business Leader Image Guided Therapy and Member of the Executive Committee at Philips. “By combining advanced imaging with smart minimally invasive devices supported by software and AI, physicians can perform procedures faster and with greater precision. Our technologies are used globally to support patient care in cardiovascular and oncological treatments.”

Innovation in image-guided therapy

As part of the IMAGIO consortium, Philips collaborates with LUMC and other institutions on research into less invasive cancer treatments. Within this consortium, LUMC is investigating how image-guided techniques using CT, ultrasound, precision targeting, and ablation technology can improve the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer.

“Philips and LUMC have maintained a longstanding 40-year partnership in developing and applying innovative medical technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of patients, including MRI and image-guided minimally invasive therapies,” says Carla Goulart Peron, Chief Medical Officer at Philips. “The public-private partnership between LUMC and Philips exemplifies how long-term collaboration, and shared expertise can drive progress in healthcare. With the inauguration of the LIGT Center, LUMC is making a significant advancement towards offering more patients minimally invasive therapies. The insights gained from this collaboration will enable Philips to better support healthcare institutions worldwide, ensuring that healthcare providers can deliver high quality care for their patients with confidence.”