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AMSTERDAM, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Philips (NSYE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced the introduction of a suite of magnetic resonance (MR)-based software applications dedicated to neurology, which will debut at the Radiological Society of North America's (RSNA) 102^nd Scientific Meeting and Annual Assembly in Chicago (US) later this month. With these introductions for its Ingenia family of digital MRI systems, Philips is reinforcing its global leadership in Neuro MR software applications [1], providing radiologists with the necessary tools to resolve complex health questions and explore new territories in neurology.

More than one billion people worldwide are affected by neurological disorders, which most commonly include Alzheimer's, dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis. According to the World Health Organization, neurological disorders are the leading global burden of disease (economic and health impact), and as an aging population grows, the identification and treatment of these disorders becomes a critical priority in population health management.  

Advanced diagnostics are a critical part of the treatment protocol for neurological disorders. With its superb 3D imaging of soft tissue, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can produce a wealth of structural and physiological information of the brain. It has therefore become a standard in neuroimaging, with 65 percent of neurologists leveraging MR technology over alternative methods [2]. However, 70 percent of physicians often face challenges with their existing neuro-diagnostic tools, which lack effective imaging and visualization techniques [3]. Philips' new suite of neuro-diagnostic applications provides physicians with a comprehensive portfolio of tools designed with the patient in mind, delivering visibility into neurological anatomies and multi-dimensional data to enable diagnostic decision support.

"In a society where neurological disorders impact a large population, continued innovation is critical in improving diagnostic clarity and treatment guidance for all neurological patients," said Eric Jean, General Manager of MRI at Philips. "We need to advance a field that has an abundant amount of health information yet to be discovered. Our new suite of decision support solutions will empower radiologists with actionable insights to make fast diagnoses to help improve the patient experience and health outcomes overall, while at the same time reducing cost."

The suite of neuro-diagnostic applications will be available on Philips' Ingenia family of MRI systems, utilizing Philips' dStream digital broadband architecture technology to provide high quality images at remarkable speed.  Unique features include:

• Black Blood Imaging – Boosts diagnostic confidence for radiologists by providing a high resolution 3D brain image with reduction of the blood signal [4], resulting in higher image quality and giving radiologists deeper insights.
• 4D-TRANCE – Provides contrast-free dynamic (4D) imaging of the brain vascular anatomy. 4D TRANCE is a non-contrast technique promoting patient comfort and enabling radiologists to evaluate both the vascular anatomy and blood flow dynamics.
• MultiBand SENSE – Allows simultaneous acquisition of multiple slices in the brain in fMRI exams, enabling accelerated neurofunctional scans at high speed and high resolution [5]. This feature provides radiologists the option to increase coverage or resolution without increasing scan time.

The suite of neuro-diagnostic applications will also be seamlessly integrated into the latest version of the Philips IntelliSpace Portal, also planned to make its debut at the RSNA annual meeting in Chicago. With the IntelliSpace Portal, radiologists have access to the latest clinical capabilities covering their advanced visual analysis needs on a single platform to provide a comprehensive overview of the patient for quick detection, confident diagnosis and efficient follow-up. This newest version of Philips IntelliSpace Portal places greater focus on enhanced depth of clinical analysis in neurology, for even the most complex patients.

Philips will be showcasing its latest neuro-diagnostic applications at RSNA 2016 at booth #6735 in Hall B at McCormick Place. For more information about Philips' presence at RSNA, including the full suite of Philips MR imaging solutions, please visit Philips' RSNA event website, and follow @PhilipsLiveFrom for more information on Philips' presence at #RSNA16.

[1] Internal data on file. Overview of the clinical application portfolios for Neuro MRI for Philips, 2016
[2] Data from Advisory Council worksheet on procedure growth 2009
[3] TMTG Market Survey 2016
[4] Compared to our 3D T1w scan without MSDE pre-pulse
[5] High speed due to using MultiBand SENSE and high resolution due to using in-plane dS SENSE

For further information, please contact:

Alicia Cafardi
Philips Group Communications
Tel: + 1 412-523-9616
Email: alicia.cafardi@philips.com  

Kathy O'Reilly
Philips Group Communications
Tel: +1 978-221-8919
Email: kathy.oreilly@philips.com  
@kathyoreilly

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' health technology portfolio generated 2015 sales of EUR 16.8 billion and employs approximately 70,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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SOURCE Royal Philips