Enhancing the “eye of medicine”

A greater emphasis on AI and sustainability, new approaches to mitigating staff shortage and more: At the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2025 in Vienna, Philips showcased its approaches to several critical issues in diagnostic imaging. The global healthtech company presented solutions addressing today's healthcare challenges while aligning with the congress's "Planet Radiology" theme.

Jie Xue, Chief Business Leader Precision Diagnosis at Philips, underscored the foundational role of imaging in healthcare: ‘I spoke with a customer who referred to imaging as 'the eye of medicine.' And indeed, advances in diagnostic imaging have revolutionized healthcare since the commercialization of X-ray tubes by Philips in 1924.’

Taking center stage among these advances, Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from promising technology to essential clinical tool across the imaging landscape. Clinicians are now experiencing tangible benefits of AI for both themselves and their patients. Dr Julian A. Luetkens, Professor of Radiology at University Hospital in Bonn, emphasized this transformation: ‘AI-based image reconstruction will help us get much faster with MRI and medical imaging. We can now scan ill patients who had a terrible image quality in the past – for example, from a cardiac MRI exam – within 20 minutes, and have a really, really good and diagnostic image quality.’

At ECR, Philips unveiled SmartSpeed Precise, powered by dual AI engines to significantly speed up scanning while improving image sharpness by 80%. This technology extends AI-driven efficiency across Philips' entire MR portfolio, including existing customer systems, explained Sally Lin, Head of Product Management MRI at Philips.

AI is also used in ultrasound imaging, to ensure greater reproducibility and reduce operator variability, said Antonio Galvan-Puente, Global Product Director, Ultrasound Education Solutions at Philips. This can help make ultrasound more accessible to new clinical users, for example by automating parameter adjustment.

Sustainability gains industry-wide momentum

The “Planet Radiology” theme of ECR 2025 placed environmental impact at the forefront of industry discussions. Compared to previous years, sustainability messaging was notably more prevalent across the exhibition floor, with nearly every company showcasing environmental initiatives. This shift reflects the growing industry-wide recognition of radiology's environmental footprint.

This new system reflects our increased awareness of the environmental impact of imaging, as well as the need for greater resourcefulness – after all, global supplies of helium are running short
Sally Lin

As part of this broader industry trend, Philips introduced its next-generation helium-free 1.5T BlueSeal wide-bore MRI scanner to the European market. This system eliminates the need for helium refills, even during shutdowns, ensuring reliability while reducing environmental impact, Sally Lin explained. ‘This new system reflects our increased awareness of the environmental impact of imaging, as well as the need for greater resourcefulness – after all, global supplies of helium are running short,’ she said. To this end, the MR expert pointed out how since 2018, the company’s BlueSeal technology has saved nearly 5 million liters of liquid helium and reduced energy consumption, lowering both operational costs and carbon footprint.

As Ioannis Panagiotelis, Global Business Leader MRI at Philips, stated: “By integrating high performance-enhancing AI engines across our entire portfolio of new and installed helium-free BlueSeal scanners, we are revolutionizing MRI efficiency while reducing environmental impact. These innovations ensure that more patients worldwide can access high-quality imaging, while healthcare providers benefit from more sustainable and cost-effective operations.”

Streamlined workflows to mitigate staffing challenges

To address the growing issue of staffing shortages in healthcare, Philips presented its latest MR Workspace software release, which introduces a 'zero-click' workflow to guide the entire imaging process from scan initiation to report generation. At its core, its AI-powered SmartExam feature automates 80% of MR procedures, standardizing imaging workflows and reducing the burden on technologists, Lin emphasized.

Through these developments, Philips continues to advance diagnostic imaging while addressing the dual challenges of expanding global access to precision care and promoting environmental sustainability. (WB)

24.03.2025