Philips aims to advance cardiac MRI technology through AI-driven research

Rhea-AI Summary

Philips and Mayo Clinic announced a research collaboration to advance cardiac MRI technology through AI integration. The partnership aims to reduce complex MRI exam times and improve workflow efficiency by combining proprietary AI technologies from both organizations. The research will evaluate lower-field-strength MRI solutions to expand access for patients with metallic implants and explore ways to make cardiac MRI more accessible. With ischemic heart disease being the leading cause of global mortality and costing $252.2 billion in the U.S. (2021), this initiative targets improved patient care and broader MRI accessibility.

Positive

• Partnership with prestigious Mayo Clinic enhances research capabilities
• Potential to reduce MRI scan times and improve operational efficiency
• Technology could expand market reach by enabling less experienced staff to perform complex cardiac MRI
• Leadership in sustainable MRI with BlueSeal technology saved 2.75M liters of helium across 1,500+ installations
• Opportunity to tap into market for patients with metallic implants (3.9% of U.S. population)

Negative

• None.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

This research collaboration between Philips and Mayo Clinic represents a significant advancement in cardiac MRI technology. The integration of AI aims to solve three critical industry challenges: lengthy exam times, accessibility and staff shortages.

The market opportunity is substantial, with ischemic heart disease costing $252.2 billion in the U.S. alone. The development of lower-field-strength MRI solutions could expand the addressable market by 3.9% in the U.S., targeting patients with metallic implants who currently can't undergo MRI scans.

Philips' BlueSeal magnet technology demonstrates proven commercial success with over 1,500 installations, validating their expertise in this space. While the collaboration's outcomes aren't guaranteed, the combination of Mayo Clinic's clinical expertise and Philips' technical capabilities positions this initiative favorably for market success.

Tech Expert

The AI implementation strategy here is comprehensive, targeting multiple phases of the MRI workflow. Key technological differentiators include:

• AI-assisted scan optimization for faster acquisition times
• Workflow improvements for less experienced operators
• Lower-field-strength solutions for implant compatibility

Philips' helium-free operation technology has already demonstrated significant environmental and cost benefits, saving 2.75 million liters of helium. This established track record in MRI innovation suggests strong execution capability for this new AI initiative. The collaboration with Mayo Clinic adds valuable clinical validation potential, which is important for healthcare AI adoption.

December 3, 2024

Collaboration intends to leverage proprietary AI technology from Philips and Mayo Clinic to target breakthroughs in ease-of-use and efficiency to bring high-quality diagnostic MRI and better care to more patients with heart disease

Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Chicago, USA – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) and Mayo Clinic today announced a research collaboration aimed at advancing MRI for cardiac applications. Through this investigation, Philips and Mayo Clinic will look to harness the power of AI and the expertise of Mayo Clinic physicians to increase operational efficiency by shortening complex MRI exams and improving workflow for radiologists.

Ischemic heart disease is the world’s leading cause of mortality, accounting for 13% of all deaths globally [1], with the associated costs in the U.S. alone estimated at $252.2 billion in 2021 [2]. While a CT scan is often used to image patients presenting with heart issues, the ‘gold standard’ of care also includes MRI, which is especially useful when treating congenital heart disease or diseases affecting the heart muscle. However, due to its higher cost and limited availability, access to high-quality MRI is often limited.

“From the patient perspective, MRI scans can be stressful. A complex cardiac MRI exam can take over an hour, which is often challenging for patients who suffer from claustrophobia inside the bore of the scanner, find it difficult to lie still or are unable to hold their breath for the required time,” said Ioannis Panagiotelis, Ph.D., Business Leader of MRI at Philips. “By applying AI at every stage of a cardiac MRI exam, we intend to expand access and greatly improve the patient experience, increase departmental efficiency, and deliver the detailed diagnostic information needed for optimal patient outcomes.”

Applying AI to transform the patient experience and accelerate MRI exam times
The investigation intends to leverage Mayo Clinic’s proprietary AI technology in combination with Philips' AI-driven technology. Combining these investigational technologies can potentially help reduce MRI scan times, and improve the efficiency needed to relieve the burden on healthcare professionals and mitigate today's chronic shortage of trained staff. With the benefit of AI, even less experienced radiographers may be able to successfully perform complex cardiac MRI exams.

Expanding MRI cardiac access to wider patient populations
The research will also evaluate the potential of lower-field-strength MRI solutions developed by Philips. These solutions are designed to enable MRI installations in a broader range of locations and provide safer scanning options for individuals with implants sensitive to high magnetic fields. Around 3.9% of the U.S. population are currently fitted with a metallic orthopedic or cardiac implant [3], many of whom are currently denied an MRI scan due to safety concerns. It also has been estimated that 50% to 75% of patients who are fitted with a cardiac implantable electronic device are expected to benefit from a lower-field-strength solution at some point in their patient journey [4].         

Proven leader in diagnostic MRI helium-free operations
With its unique, innovative BlueSeal magnet technology, Philips is a recognized leader in sustainable, affordable cardiovascular MRI. It was the first company to introduce helium-free operations in MRI scanners in 2018, with nearly 2.75 million liters of helium saved, across more than 1,500 installations worldwide to date [5]. Join Philips at RSNA 2024 to learn more.

[1] World Health Organization (WHO) Fact Sheet: The top 10 causes of death. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Fact Sheet: Heart Disease Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
[3]  https://www.philips.co.uk/healthcare/education-resources/publications/fieldstrength/mri-and-mr-conditional-implants.
[4] Kalin R, Stanton MS. Current clinical issues for MRI scanning of pacemaker and defibrillator patients. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2005;28(4):326-328. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2005.50024.x https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15826268/
[5] https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/resources/landing/the-next-mr-wave/sealed-mr-technology?nocache

For further information, contact:
Kathy O’Reilly
Philips Global External Relations
Tel.: +1 978 221 8919
Email: kathy.oreilly@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips’ patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring, and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2023 sales of EUR 18.2 billion and employs approximately 69,300 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Attachments

• Patient preparing for a cardiac scan on the Philips Ingenia Ambition X MR system
• Philips Ingenia Ambition X MR system

FAQ

What is the goal of Philips (PHG) and Mayo Clinic's MRI research collaboration?

The collaboration aims to advance cardiac MRI technology by using AI to reduce exam times, improve workflow efficiency, and make high-quality diagnostic MRI more accessible to heart disease patients.

How many helium-free MRI installations has Philips (PHG) achieved worldwide?

Philips has achieved over 1,500 helium-free MRI installations worldwide, saving approximately 2.75 million liters of helium to date.

What percentage of U.S. patients could benefit from Philips (PHG) lower-field-strength MRI solutions?

About 3.9% of the U.S. population has metallic orthopedic or cardiac implants, and 50-75% of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices could benefit from lower-field-strength MRI solutions.