Healthcare Technology Featured Article

June 18, 2013

Philips' IMR Reduces CT Radiation and Enhances Image Quality


As imaging technologies improve, they will eliminate the need to perform invasive and dangerous exploratory surgeries that are oftentimes unnecessary. Obtaining a clear image of the desired body part gives physicians multiple options before they choose a form of therapy. The Philips iterative model reconstruction (IMR) technology now has new capabilities for reducing CT radiation while at the same time enhancing image quality.

The Philips IMR is a knowledge-based iterative reconstruction technique that will yield benefits for patients and clinicians alike. The announcement of this capability came at the International Society for Computed Tomography's (ISCT) 15th Annual International Symposium on Multidetector-Row CT.

This solution allows low dose and enhanced image quality to be delivered simultaneously in CT imaging. The radiation dose can be reduced by 60 to 80 percent, resulting in a 43 to 80 percent improvement in low contrast detectability by producing 70 to 83 percent less image noise. Noise in CT imaging is caused by the variation and attenuation coefficients between voxels. By properly managing noise and radiation levels the new IMR from Philips is able to create better results.


This new capability is able to provide imaging across a broad range of patients by overcoming traditional reconstruction challenges. It can be applied to advanced neuro and cardiovascular applications. The key benefits of the Philips IMR are:

  • Industry-leading low-contrast resolution (2 mm at 0.3 percent, 10.4 mGy CTDIvol)
  • Virtually noise-free images with more than 90-percent noise reduction
  • 2.7x low-contrast detectability index
  • Model-based reconstruction under five minutes for the majority of reference protocols
  • Integrated design with minimal siting impact

"Philips is the only provider to offer IMR, leading the charge in solving clinical challenges that advance the future of imaging,” said Dominic Smith, vice president and general manager, Computed Tomography, Philips Healthcare. “As the complexity of health care evolves, and demands on innovative clinical solutions increase, a solution that helps attain high quality, low-dose images for confident diagnosis is-well positioned to meet those needs. Philips' IMR technology is helping clinicians keep patient care at the forefront while enhancing diagnostic confidence."




Edited by Alisen Downey
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