The addition of microvascular imaging super-resolution CEUS enables three times better spatial resolution than previous models, according to Philips. It could potentially improve the diagnostic accuracy for assessing lesion blood flow in cancer patients.
Understanding blood flow dynamics around a tumor is crucial for cancer diagnostics. For instance, the blood flow in and around a liver tumor can provide clues regarding the potential for the cancer to spread. Traditionally, clinicians use an iodinated contrast medium for these assessments. However, some patients experience intolerance to the iodinated contrast. In such cases, CEUS provides an alternative, Philips explained in a Sept. 8 news release.
CEUS utilizes inert-gas-containing microbubbles as a contrast medium. Patients then expel the contrast medium through their breathing. A significant advantage of this method is that it does not expose patients to ionizing radiation, and it generally is a more cost-effective and accessible approach.
“Philips’ microvascular imaging allows us to visualize the pattern of contrast media flow into a lesion, and also shows how it changes over time, which gives us greater diagnostic confidence in assessing indeterminate lesions,” said Dirk-André Clevert, -professor of radiology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) in Munich, Germany.
In addition, Clevert highlighted the benefits of Philips’ Collaboration Live software, which facilitates remote training of sonographers and guidance during procedures.
The safety profile of the microbubble technology is notable. When compared to traditional iodinated contrast methods, microbubble media has shown significantly lower adverse reaction rates, according to Philips.
It is also worth noting that supply chain snarls caused health providers to grapple with iodinated contrast media shortages last year.
