Philips releases virtual endoscopy

The latest version of virtual endoscopy, Endo 3D-unfolded, has entered the marketplace. Philips Medical Systems has introduced the software feature as part of its multimodality image processing workstation, EasyVision 5.2. The product transforms abdominal CT and MR images into a series of unfolded views, providing the physician with an omnidirectional visualization of the inside of the colon. Included are views of the backside of folds and inner aspects of curves that may be difficult to see using conventional endoscopy. The reconstruction allows a virtual inspection of 99.5% of the colon walls, according to the company, to assist in the visualization of polyps and abnormal lesions. Any suspicious area can be immediately verified in original CT or MR images. The company claims the "unfolded" method is more time-efficient for navigation and inspection than conventional 3D display methods, reducing the average time needed to interpret the prone and supine data from 35 minutes to fewer than 20 per patient.