Jun 17, 2019

Philips launches two new cutting edge ultrasound solutions in Egypt

Philips introduces EPIQ CVx, a new cardiac ultrasound with anatomical intelligence offering cardiologists tailored applications for diagnostic, pediatric and interventional echocardiography
Philips also launches Lumify, its first App-Based Portable Ultrasound System in Egypt
Philips welcomes H2A (Health2All) as its new channel partner to distribute Philips ultrasound systems in Egypt

Cairo, Egypt – To coincide with the Cardio Alex trade show taking place in Alexandria, Philips Egypt today announced the launch of two groundbreaking ultrasound solutions for the Egyptian market. The company unveiled its cutting edge EPIQ CVx cardiovascular ultrasound system specifically designed for cardiologists, providing clinicians a tailored applications based solution to tackle the high incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Egypt. Statistics from the World Health Organization indicate that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Egypt, accounting for 46% of total deaths¹.

The EPIQ CVx places cardiologists at the forefront of innovation; it is specifically designed to increase diagnostic confidence and simplify workflow for clinicians, giving them more time to interact with their patients and reducing the need for repeat scans. The system includes higher processing power, exceptional image clarity and sharpness, improved exam efficiencies and more robust and reproducible quantification, enabled by anatomical intelligence.

The EPIQ CVx includes a cardiology-specific user-configurable touch-screen interface that allows clinicians to personalize their controls and improve the workflow for their cardiology exams.

“As pressures on the healthcare system in Egypt continue to increase, cardiologists have more patients to examine in less time. With the EPIQ CVx and its cardiology-centric design, clinicians can perform fast exams with enhanced diagnostic information.” says Iyad AlTaiyeb – CEO, Philips Egypt. “The EPIQ CVx includes TrueVue, giving clinicians the ability to see photorealistic renderings of the heart, which improves cardiac anatomy analysis by offering detailed tissue and depth perception imaging through a new virtual light source.”

The EPIQ CVx includes new features to improve diagnosis for both adult and child patients. This includes the Dynamic Heart Model, which produces a multi-beat analysis for adult patients and helps cardiologists and clinicians determine how well the heart is pumping out blood. The systems also includes the new S9-2 PureWave Transducer, which simplifies pediatric cardiac exams by displaying high levels of detail and contrast resolution through the single-crystal technology.

The EPIQ CVx was introduced globally in August 2018 and the initial response to the new system has been overwhelmingly positive: 95% of a group of clinicians who were shown the new EPIQ CVx believed it offered improved image quality: sharper and clearer images².

Delivering life-saving ultrasound technology at the point of care

In addition, the company has introduced Lumify, its first App-Based ultrasound system that will extend the reach of ultrasound applications to a broader network of healthcare providers using mobile technology. The Philips’ Lumify is an entirely new way of delivering ultrasound technology to healthcare providers and their patients; offering high-quality imaging on a compatible smart device through a subscription model.

Lumify turns a compatible smartphone into an ultrasound interface that provides high-quality imaging. It does this by bringing together mobile applications, advanced ultrasound transducer technology, integrated IT, training, education and support services. This combination helps healthcare providers improve care and reduce costs.

Specifically designed for emergency departments and urgent care centres, the mobile and integrated nature of the Lumify means that ultrasounds can be delivered even in the most remote or rural of settings. Lumify operates from a compatible smart device connected to a Philips ultrasound transducer. Users can also have access to an online portal where they can manage their device and access Philips’ support, training and IT services.

The Lumify transducers are now commercially available in Egypt. The L12-4 transducer supports a variety of clinical applications, including soft tissue, musculoskeletal, lung and vascular scanning. The C5-2 offers abdominal with lung and gallbladder pre-sets and Ob/Gyn capabilities. Whereas Lumify’s newest transducer, the S4-1, has presets for cardiac and FAST exams. All the applications and services are available through Philips’ new app-based portal.

“Lumify’s unique combination of connectivity, simplicity, portability and flexibility enables clinicians to perform ultrasound examinations across a variety of clinical settings, from cardiology suites down to under resourced semi-urban and rural areas. Finally, clinicians as well as family doctors at small outpatient clinics can perform scans themselves, speeding up the diagnosis process and possible treatments.” says Iyad AlTaiyeb.

Cloud-enabled and tablet technology allows Lumify to offer users vast connectivity, flexibility and mobility. As a customized app-based solution, Lumify is designed to seamlessly integrate with patient profiles and a health system’s equipment using cloud-enabled technology.

The Lumify is part of Philips’ App-Based ultrasound ecosystem, an open innovation platform aimed to deliver the benefits of ultrasound early in the health continuum and expand access among more healthcare providers. Built on a flexible subscription-based delivery model, users – healthcare providers and institutions – have access to and can manage solutions based on their changing demands and needs.

Lumify now offers real-time collaboration using tele-ultrasound powered by Reacts

The Reacts collaborative platform combines two-way audio-visual calls with live ultrasound streaming. With this intuitive, easy-to-use integrated system, clinicians can begin their Reacts session with a face-to-face conversation on their Lumify ultrasound system. Users can switch to the front-facing camera on their smart device to show the position of the probe. They can then share the Lumify ultrasound stream, so both parties are simultaneously viewing the live ultrasound image and probe positioning, while discussing and interacting at the same time.

In addition to clinicians seeking virtual guidance, Philips Lumify with Reacts is a valuable tool for teaching institutions, medical students and residents, emergency medical service providers, disaster relief providers and hospitals with satellite clinics.

“Point-of-care ultrasound is becoming one of the most widely used first-line diagnostic tools in resource-constrained environments, so the potential of solutions such as the Lumify to not only drive access to care but improve diagnosis and treatment times can be transformative.” concludes Iyad AlTaiyeb.

Philips is a leader in ultrasound solutions with a large global installed base and strong track record of industry-first innovations in areas such as 3D imaging of the heart, quantification tools driven by Anatomical Intelligence, and ultra-mobile, portable ultrasound solutions. Philips’ ultrasound portfolio supports the effective and efficient delivery of care across a broad range of clinical specialties including cardiology, point-of-care, radiology and OB/GYN.

As pressures on the healthcare system in Egypt continue to increase, cardiologists have more patients to examine in less time. With the EPIQ CVx and its cardiology-centric design, clinicians can perform fast exams with enhanced diagnostic information.

Iyad AlTaiyeb

CEO, Philips Egypt

Philips announces new channel partner to distribute Philips ultrasound systems in Egypt

Given the significance of the ultrasound portfolio for Egypt, Philips has recently appointed H2A (Health2All) as its authorized distributor for Philips Ultrasound solutions in Egypt. The support of H2A (part of the diversified Egyptian SAMCRETE group), with their headquarters in Cairo and their complementary brands, will allow Philips to extend its reach and provide ultrasound technology and services closer to the customer base across Egypt. H2A will carry out all commercial and service related activities for the Ultrasound business of Philips, including marketing, distribution, sales and service throughout Egypt.

¹ https://www.who.int/nmh/countries/egy_en.pdf?ua=1
²Results obtained during user demonstrations performed in December 2017 with the EPIQ CVx and the iE33 systems. The research was designed and supervised by Use-Lab GmbH, an independent and objective engineering consultancy and user interface design company. The tests involved 42 clinicians from 17 countries.

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 77,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.