Philips announced the launch of a new radiation-free imaging technology dubbed LumiGuide, which uses light reflections to provide 3D images of devices within the body.

LumiGuide is a device guidance tool powered by fiber optic technology that allows surgeons to visualize a device within the body without being exposed to radiation. 

The tool gives surgeons access to real-time 3D device-guidance in color. It can be deployed within catheters already in use. 

The fiber optic technology visualizes a device using visible light instead of X-rays, diminishing the radiation surgeons are exposed to. 

Light is sent into optical fibers. The tool then analyzes how the light reflects in order to reconstruct the shape of the device.

"LumiGuide, powered by Fiber Optic RealShape (FORS) technology, is one of the most disruptive technologies that I’ve witnessed throughout my career in interventional medicine. It’s a paradigm shift, guiding physicians through blood vessels using light instead of X-ray. Effectively, it’s a 3D human GPS that can offer interventional physicians a new dimension to precision and safety in endovascular procedures," Dr. Atul Gupta, chief medical officer for diagnosis and treatment at Philips and interventional radiologist, told MobiHealthNews. 

"As we further integrate AI into this cutting-edge solution, we expect to further streamline procedures, enhance accuracy, and contribute to the evolution of minimally-invasive surgery.”

THE LARGER TREND

Philips came under fire by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in January. The FDA stated that, since 2021, 561 deaths have been reported pertaining to the tech giant's recalled ventilators and machines for treating obstructive sleep apnea. 

Manufacturers like Philips are required to submit medical device reports (MDRs) when becoming aware of a device potentially causing or contributing to a death or serious injury.

Philips submitted 30 MDRs between 2011 and April 2021, eight from the U.S., associated with the foam in their PE-PUR machine breaking down or degrading. 

Philips notified the FDA in April of 2021 of its intention to conduct a field action and formally submitted its Report of Correction and Removal in June 2021. The same year, Philips initiated a recall of over five million devices. 

The company said in a statement that after releasing public comments about the recall, there was "an increase by approximately 20,500 MDRs filed by Philips Respironics to the FDA between April 2021 and April 2022. In the following six months through October 2022, Philips Respironics filed approximately 70,500 MDRs, and in November and December 2022, approximately 8,300 MDRs."

At the end of January this year, Philips agreed with regulators to stop selling the PE-PUR and similar devices in the U.S. 

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