Royal Philips has introduced the Philips Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Model, providing physicians a more patient-friendly solution compared to the current standard of care for managing AAA patients. Based on 3D ultrasound, the Philips AAA Model delivers clinicians accurate diagnostic information without exposing patients to high doses of radiation and nephrotoxic contrast agents.
The current standard of care for AAAs includes 2D ultrasound and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Each of these modalities has its drawbacks, including inter-operator variability with 2D ultrasound and patient exposure to high levels of radiation and nephrotoxic contrast agents with CTA.
A recent clinical study showed that 3D ultrasound examination for native AAA surveillance has excellent inter-operator reproducibility, superior to that of 2D ultrasound, supporting the broader use of 3D ultrasound in standard AAA surveillance programmes. 3D ultrasound has been shown to estimate the diameter and volume of an AAA with acceptable reproducibility and an improved agreement (over 2D ultrasound) with CT. Furthermore, 3D ultrasound has also been proven to correlate significantly better to 3D CT than 2D ultrasound for assessing the maximum diameter of the residual sac post-endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), with clinically acceptable reproducibility.
“Regular surveillance of AAA patients is essential, but today’s standard of care has downsides,” said Bich Le, senior vice president, general manager Ultrasound at Philips. “The Philips AAA Model seamlessly integrates leading Philips technologies including Philips Premium Ultrasound System (EPIQ Elite), Philips Array Transducer (X6-1 xMATRIX), and innovative software into a single solution, to help improve the experience and outcomes for clinicians and patients alike.”
