Royal Philips Electronics emphasized at RSNA 2006 in Chicago the latest additions to its Philips iU22 ultrasound system designed to shorten exam times, expand the clinical utility of volumetric imaging and provide new tools for interventional procedures. Customizable protocol-driven exams –made possible via the system — have been clinically proven to reduce some ultrasound exam times by as much as 30 percent and improve exam consistency and accuracy across the department. Also, iSLICE intelligent slicing technology uses volumetric datasets to provide progressive views of anatomy with one sweep and helps clinicians quickly find the best views for diagnoses. Finally, new image enhancements are optimizing needle visualization for faster, less invasive biopsy procedures making the iU22 useful in planning, guiding and assessing liver tumor ablations.
 
Beyond that Philips’ ultrasound focus at the show was on its full range of products which includes all scales, including new portable models (the HD3), and those that are more mid-range (HD II XE). Each of the systems includes a high resolution flat panel display and numerous ergonomic features.