The operating room of the future is not about more technology, but about better integration of that technology. That was the key message during a Philips press conference on image-guided therapy (IGT). By combining imaging and medical devices with smart software, the technology company aims not only to improve procedures, but above all to increase access to high-quality care. “Image-guided therapy is modern-day surgery.” With this statement, Atul Gupta (Chief Medical Officer for Diagnosis & Treatment at Philips) summarised the development that has radically changed the way we operate and treat patients over the past few decades.
The intervention suite is a specialised hospital room where minimally invasive procedures are carried out; doctors treat patients via small access points – often through the blood vessels – using advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays and ultrasound. Examples include opening a narrowed coronary artery or treating a heart valve abnormality.
Whereas operations traditionally often required large incisions, minimally invasive techniques make it possible to treat patients in an increasingly targeted manner and with less strain on the patient. According to Philips, this holds a key to addressing one of the greatest challenges in healthcare: access. Demand for healthcare is growing worldwide, partly due to the rise in chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease. At the same time, healthcare professionals are under pressure due to staff shortages, more complex treatments and an ever-increasing volume of available information.
From imaging to treatment
Within IGT, Philips focuses on combining different technologies throughout the course of treatment. Whereas medical imaging was previously intended primarily to establish a diagnosis, images are now increasingly linked directly to treatment. A key development in this regard was the introduction of minimally invasive interventions, such as angioplasty procedures in which a small balloon is used to open a narrowed coronary artery (angioplasty). According to Philips, the first angioplasty in 1977 therefore marked an important starting point for the further development of interventional cardiology and IGT.
According to Bert van Meurs, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Leader for Image-Guided Therapy at Philips, the next step is not simply to develop new products. “It’s about improving procedures.” The focus is thus shifting from individual devices to the patient’s overall care pathway.
One example of this is the Azurion platform. This system brings together various information streams: from medical images to data from the devices being used. Instead of multiple separate screens and systems, healthcare professionals are provided with a single integrated environment. This allows them to focus more on the patient and the procedure, rather than on operating the technology.
Less strain on both patients and healthcare professionals
According to Philips, the benefits of IGT are evident on multiple levels. For patients, less invasive procedures often mean fewer complications, a faster recovery and sometimes even same-day discharge. For healthcare professionals, integrated technology can help keep the volume of information manageable. In recent years, procedure suites have become increasingly cluttered with screens, cables and devices.
“The more devices were added, the more complex the environment became,” said Gupta. Technology intended to improve care could therefore also create new challenges. According to him, the solution lies in restoring clarity. By combining data, imaging and devices, a calmer working environment is created in which doctors are supported in making complex decisions.
New applications enable treatment
Various applications were demonstrated during the press conference. One of these was LumiGuide, developed, amongst other things, to support the treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. In this treatment, a stent is inserted via the blood vessels, often making major surgery unnecessary.
Traditionally, X-ray imaging is required during such a procedure to determine the position of instruments. LumiGuide uses light instead to make a thin wire and matching instruments visible. This allows the procedure to be carried out more quickly and reduces the amount of radiation exposure. This benefits not only patients but also healthcare professionals who are exposed to X-ray radiation for prolonged periods during interventions.
Another example is the Verisight Pro 3D ICE, designed for structural heart defects. Improved imaging may make complex heart valve treatments easier to perform. A thinner probe can reduce the need for invasive preparatory procedures, making treatments more accessible. The Bridge Occlusion Balloon Catheter was also discussed. This device is intended for very rare but life-threatening complications during certain cardiac procedures. By temporarily controlling bleeding, it gives doctors extra time to safely transfer a patient to the operating room.
The role of AI: support, not a replacement
According to Gupta, artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of the interventional suite. Not as a replacement for the doctor, but as a digital assistant that helps to process large amounts of information.
One example is AI that can automatically synchronise various imaging sources, such as X-rays and ultrasound. This provides a better 3D overview during complex procedures. In the Netherlands, for example, this technology is being used at St. Antonius Hospital.
AI is also playing an increasingly significant role in diagnostics, for instance in performing and assessing CT scans more quickly whilst reducing radiation exposure. According to Gupta, the challenge lies not only in applying AI, but above all in developing reliable systems for specific medical issues. “The right AI tool must be used for the right problem.” He observes that doctors sometimes resort to generic AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to support their work. As these systems have not been specifically developed for medical practice, there is a risk that they may provide incorrect or unsafe advice if the results are not carefully checked.
Towards a quieter intervention room
As Bert van Meurs looks ahead to the next ten years, he envisages, above all, an intervention room where technology is less visibly present. No longer separate systems demanding attention, but an integrated platform that supports healthcare professionals. According to Philips, the patient remains at the heart of it all. Every second, a patient somewhere in the world is being treated using a Philips system, but the next step is not simply about more technology. It is about smarter procedures, better collaboration between humans and machines, and ultimately about giving more patients access to appropriate care.
