Sep 10, 2019

Philips and B. Braun launch Onvision needle tip tracking, a breakthrough in real-time ultrasound guidance for regional anesthesia

Integrated point-of-care solution empowers anesthesiologists to perform regional anesthesia procedures, such as peripheral nerve blocks, more safely and efficiently
Regional anesthesia can have significant advantages over general anesthesia for both patients and hospitals
Available on the B. Braun and Philips Xperius point-of-care ultrasound system, combining Philips’ Onvision needle tip tracking technology and B. Braun’s Stimuplex Onvision needles

Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Melsungen, Germany – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, and B. Braun Melsungen AG, a global leader in regional anesthesia and pain management, today announced the launch of Onvision, a breakthrough ultrasound guidance solution for real-time needle tip tracking in regional anesthesia. Available on the latest version of the B. Braun and Philips Xperius ultrasound system, Onvision gives anesthesiologists the confidence to accurately position the needle tip inside the body. The introduction is part of a multi-year strategic alliance between Philips and B. Braun to innovate in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, a rapidly growing alternative to general anesthesia. Onvision is being launched at the 38th Annual Conference of the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy (ESRA) in Bilbao, Spain (11-14 September).

Accurate needle placement is critical to the success of regional anesthesia procedures, such as peripheral nerve blocks, both in terms of effective pain relief and the avoidance of unintended nerve and vessel punctures or collateral damage to surrounding tissue. While real-time ultrasound imaging has proved to be a valuable tool for needle guidance, failure to optimally visualize the needle tip remains a challenge for both novice [1] and experienced [2] anesthetists. Currently, 10-20% of all peripheral nerve blocks are ineffective on the first attempt [3]. By simplifying alignment between the needle and ultrasound probe, Onvision reduces the effort needed to interpret the ultrasound image. This allows the anesthesiologist to more confidently guide the tip of the needle to its target.

By combining B. Braun’s expertise in needle design with Philips’ capabilities in real-time image guidance, we’ve created a solution to one of the biggest challenges in regional anesthesia – accurate positioning of the needle tip in the body.

Bert van Meurs

Chief Business Leader, Image Guided Therapy at Royal Philips.

“Regional anesthesia is a rapidly growing alternative to general anesthesia and has the potential to improve patient outcomes as well as increase workflow efficiency in the hospital,” said Bert van Meurs, Chief Business Leader, Image Guided Therapy at Royal Philips. “By combining B. Braun’s expertise in needle design with Philips’ capabilities in real-time image guidance, we’ve created a solution to one of the biggest challenges in regional anesthesia – accurate positioning of the needle tip in the body. Our alliance with B. Braun is a strong example of our commitment to partner with industry leaders to grow our footprint in the therapy market.”

“Our customers want intuitive solutions that allow them to focus on the patient rather than the technology, so they can achieve the best outcomes. As demand for regional anesthesia grows, improved efficiency can also help reduce the pressure of an increasing workload,” said Dr. Meinrad Lugan, Member of the Board for the Hospital Care Division at B. Braun. “Onvision is a perfect example of what can be achieved through shared expertise to meet the evolving needs of our customers, bringing regional anesthesia to more patients in more hospitals worldwide.”

Together, B. Braun’s Stimuplex Onvision needles and Philips’ Onvision needle tip tracking technology indicate the position of the needle tip in relation to the ultrasound viewing plane to an accuracy of better than 3mm. A sensitive micro-sensor placed on the needle, combined with advanced signal processing and visualization techniques on the Xperius system, indicate the real-time location of the needle tip in relation to the 2D ultrasound viewing plane. The solution provides greater flexibility in needle trajectory and can reduce procedure times [4]. The increased confidence and predictability offered by Xperius and Onvision will empower more anesthesiologists to embrace regional anesthesia as a viable and effective alternative to general anesthesia.

Regional anesthesia or analgesia involves the injection of an anesthetic in the proximity of a nerve, targeting areas of a patient’s body that are subject to surgical intervention. Regional anesthesia can have significant advantages over general anesthesia for both patients and hospitals. Patients undergoing regional anesthesia typically benefit from reduced opioid consumption and fewer side-effects, such as nausea. Moreover, regional anesthesia may lead to faster post-surgical recovery, allowing patients to ambulate or leave the hospital sooner, which benefits both patients and hospitals.

Together, Xperius and Onvision form an integrated point-of-care solution for supporting current and future needs in regional anesthesia. They are co-branded and sold via B. Braun’s global sales network, with Philips providing installation and service. Xperius is part of Philips’ complete portfolio of point-of-care ultrasound solutions, which offers clinicians the ability to confidently diagnose and care for their patients in any work environment.

[1] Sites et al., 2007

[2] Chapman et al., 2006

[3] Bartusseck et al., 2004

[4] Kasine et al., 2019

Onvision and Xperius are registered trademarks of B. Braun and Philips. The Onvision solution is CE marked and available for sale across the EU and in Chile. It is not currently available for sale in the United States.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2018 sales of EUR 18.1 billion and employs approximately 78,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

About B. Braun

B. Braun is one of the world's leading manufacturers of medical devices and pharmaceutical products and services. With 64,000 employees in 64 countries, B. Braun develops high quality product systems and services for users around the world. In 2018, the Group generated sales of €6.9 billion.

Every service provided by B. Braun incorporates its entire expertise and the company's deep understanding of users' needs.

In developing its products, product systems and services, B. Braun acts like a sparring partner. A companion who promotes developments through constructive dialog and the motivation to improve things. With its constantly growing portfolio of effective medical care solutions, B. Braun makes a substantial contribution towards protecting and improving people's health.