New Ultrasound Solution Could Offer Gentler Pediatric Assessment

Royal Philips announced a pediatric addition to its existing EPIQ Elite ultrasound system, limiting radiation exposure for children.

Designed and cleared specifically for clinical use, according to company statement, the system can be adjusted to accommodate children of nearly any size from newborns to adult-sized patients.

Based on company data, the solution offers a dedicated PureWave mC12-3 transducer that offers 30-percent greater penetration, allowing for more detailed images. In addition, it couples enhanced processing with software tools that are specifically optimized for the pediatric diagnostic workflow.

“Diagnostic confidence is vital for any clinician, especially when diagnosing the most sensitive patients,” said Jeff Cohen, Philips vice president and general manager of General Imaging Ultrasound, in a statement. “Philips ultimate ultrasound solutions provide the right level of image detail and context that clinicians need to make a precise diagnosis.”

The system allows for better imaging of small blood vessels, contrast-enhanced imaging of liver lesions, diagnosing and staging of liver fibrosis, according to company information.

To test the new ultrasound system, Philips partnered with Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

“The new pediatric assessment solution on the EPIQ Elite system has elevated our ultrasound practice at Phoenix Children’s,” said Luis Goncalves, M.D., a pediatric radiologist with the hospital. “In particular, the solution’s new transducer offers exceptional clinical performance and versatility across many pediatric applications. For example, the intracranial detail we see in the neonatal head is truly exceptional.”

The solution is available globally, the company statement said.