LumiGuide (blood vessel imaging technology)

2024: Technology Announcement

On February 22, 2024, the company Philips announced LumiGuide technology, which is designed to visualize blood vessels during surgery. The new method uses light instead of X-rays, which reduces the negative impact on the patient.

Vascular imaging is required during endovascular surgery. These are interventions in which instruments are introduced through small incisions or punctures in the walls of vessels. In most cases, anesthesia is not required to perform such procedures - only local anesthesia is performed at the puncture point. Such interventions are used even in patients with severe concomitant diseases who are contraindicated by traditional surgical treatment.

Philips

It is noted that usually in the case of endovascular operations, X-rays are used for imaging. However, this approach, in addition to potentially harmful effects on the body, allows the formation of only two-dimensional images. LumiGuide technology solves both problems.

The system uses light reflected along the optical fiber inside the catheter guide wire. As a result, it becomes possible to produce high resolution color 3D images. Visualization is carried out in real time from any angle and in several projections. LumiGuide works with compatible Philips intervention systems such as Azurion. Algorithms based on artificial intelligence are used to improve the effectiveness of surgical interventions and reduce the time required to perform operations. Plus, the effect of X-rays on the patient will be excluded. Philips says the LumiGuide is essentially a 3D navigator for surgeons.^[1]

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