Priya Patel
TLDR:
- Philips introduces LumiGuide, a radiation-free technology for minimally invasive surgery.
- The technology utilizes FORS technology to create 3D images inside the body in real-time.
Philips has developed LumiGuide, a new technology that uses Fiber Optic RealShape (FORS) to enable minimally invasive surgery without the need for X-ray radiation. This innovative solution, also known as the “3D human GPS powered by light,” has been initially rolled out to major Aortic Centers of Excellence in the US and Europe. LumiGuide works by reflecting light along an optical fibre inside a guidewire, allowing physicians to see the direction of their device and navigate to the required location without X-ray assistance.
The technology has shown promising results in studies conducted around the world, with more than 900 patients benefitting from procedures using LumiGuide. One site reported a 37% reduction in complex aortic procedure time and a 56% decrease in radiation exposure compared to X-ray. Designed to be compatible with Philips interventional systems such as Azurion, LumiGuide has received positive feedback from vascular surgeon Geert Willem Schurink at Maastricht University Medical Center in the Netherlands. As Philips and its clinical partners continue to collect data on LumiGuide’s performance, the company is preparing to make the solution available globally.
Aside from LumiGuide, Philips has also obtained 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for its latest transoesophageal echocardiography transducer to enhance cardiac care for more patients. The company’s dedication to developing innovative, radiation-free solutions for surgeries showcases its commitment to improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare-associated risks.
