New Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Application to Enhance Diagnostic Confidence for Cancer Patients

In order to diagnose and treat cancer, understanding the blood flow dynamics in and out of a suspicious lesion is crucial for healthcare providers. The traditional method of assessing this involves injecting an iodinated contrast media intravenously, but this isn't suitable for everyone. As an alternative, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is gaining traction. CEUS employs micro-bubble contrast media made from an inert gas, which leaves the body when the patient exhales.

Philips (Amsterdam, Noord-Holland) has taken a step forward by incorporating super resolution microvascular imaging (MVI) CEUS in its EPIQ Elite ultrasound system. This new addition enhances spatial resolution by up to 200% compared to older systems. Just like other CEUS methods, super resolution MVI does not subject patients to ionizing radiation, and is generally both more budget-friendly and widely available. Furthermore, compared to traditional iodinated contrast media, the micro-bubble contrast media used in CEUS has a much lower rate of adverse reactions. The MVI technology by Philips enables doctors to closely monitor the contrast media's entry into a lesion as well as its pattern over time, enhancing diagnostic certainty for lesions that are hard to classify.

Image: The super resolution contrast-enhanced ultrasound application is available on the EPIQ Elite ultrasound system (Photo courtesy of Philips)

As a top-of-the-line ultrasound system, the EPIQ Elite fuses cutting-edge transducer technology with superior performance to bolster clinical assurance and offer customized patient care. The system is equipped with a multitude of diagnostic applications and specialized tools designed to cater to the unique demands of various medical fields. The EPIQ Elite excels in delivering both exceptional clinical outcomes and the efficient workflow needed to cope with the high pressures of modern medical practice.

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