Background Information on Philips’ General X-ray Business

About the business

  • Philips’ General X-ray business comprises a portfolio of over 30 products: from stationary analog devices to mobile and digital units as well as cutting edge wireless X-ray systems. Prices range from €25k for an analog mobile X-ray unit up to €500k for a fully digital c-arm X-ray unit for advanced interventional procedures
  • We have an installed base of more than 50,000 systems that are used to diagnose and treat more than 500,000 patients around the world every day
  • The General X-ray business manufactures products at four different locations around the world:
    - Hamburg, Germany: Manufacturing of X-ray tubes, generators and complete General X-ray system assembly, research & development, customer services, marketing and clinical science
    - Best, the Netherlands: Manufacturing of X-ray components and complete General X-ray system assembly, research & development, customer services, marketing and clinical science
    - Shenyang, China: Philips Neusoft Joint Venture since 2004 produces a range of General X-ray products for the mid- to low-end market segment in Asia and Europe
    - Belo Horizonte, Brazil: Through the acquisition of VMI-Sistemas Medicos (VMI) in June 2007, a range of local General X-ray systems are produced for the regional market in LATAM
  • Worldwide, Philips’ General X-ray business is one of the leading manufacturers of General X-ray systems
  • We are the global market leader in high-end Digital Radiography, with a market share of over 30 percent

 

Common uses of General X-ray solutions
General X-ray solutions are used in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range diseases and injuries. These solutions are used across clinical domains including orthopedics, oncology, pediatrics, trauma, cardiology and women’s health. The main product areas that Philips provides solutions for are:

  • Radiography – static ‘snapshot’ X-ray imaging, most often of the skeleton. The most common examination carried out on General X-ray products is the chest X-ray. Key development trends in radiography are the migration from analog, film-based imaging to digital solutions (much like the change from film to digital in cameras) and a focus on efficiency and workflow
  • Fluoroscopy – dynamic ‘video’ X-ray imaging, used to look at movements in the body such as blood flow and gastrointestinal flow
  • Mammography – both analog and digital imaging of the female breast, a particularly important application is for use in breast cancer screening programs
  • Surgery – small and easily positioned X-ray systems that can be used in the operating theater. Used in minimally invasive procedures (rather than open surgery) as well as in orthopedic surgery, such as a joint replacement


Key General X-ray products

DigitalDiagnost: The DigitalDiagnost family is Philips’ state-of-the art solution for direct digital radiography. The latest release of DigitalDiagnost offers an optimized workflow due to the new standardized, simple and intuitive Eleva user interface, giving radiographers more time to concentrate on the patient. The DigitalDiagnost family is prepared for wireless flat detector integration.

Essenta DR

Essenta DR: The Essenta DR is a cost-efficient, mid-range solution for hospitals and private practices to go filmless. It benefits from an extended, swinging U-arm geometry, an Eleva harmonized user interface for streamlined, intuitive workflow and default auto-positioning.

MammoDiagnost DR

MammoDiagnost DR: The MammoDiagnost DR is Philips’ digital solution for mammography and is designed for efficient high volume screening. The intuitive, streamlined Eleva workflow at the console makes working with the system comfortable and efficient for the radiographer and ensures a quick and easy examination for the patient. MammoDiagnost DR is not available for sale in North America.

BV Pulsera

BV Pulsera mobile C-arm: Philips’ C-arms are designed to provide images in the operating room. The systems are compact, flexible, versatile, easy to move and can handle a full range of demanding procedures in the operating room. Designed to optimize workflow, these systems are complimented by a state-of-the-art mobile workstation. The BV Pulsera 3D-RX is a C-arm that can capture 3D images. It can be quickly and easily positioned where needed and provides high-quality intra-operative 3D imaging without compromising full conventional 2D imaging functionality during routine procedures.

Digital Diagnost

MultiDiagnost Eleva: The Philips MultiDiagnost Eleva is a multi-purpose X-ray system with extended capabilities in vascular and interventional procedures as well as RF exams. Its 3D imaging feature gives clinicians excellent insight into the patient’s anatomy, allowing the treatment strategy to be adapted whilst the patient is still on the table.