Philips Launches 3D Vessel Navigation System

Royal Philips has launched its VesselNavigator 3D catheter navigation in Europe, the company said last week.

The system is designed for use with Philips’ interventional X-ray systems and guides the minimally invasive treatment of patients with vascular diseases such as aortic aneurysms.

The 3D system makes moving a catheter through veins and arteries more akin to open surgery, Philips said, as opposed to conventional 2D X-ray image guidance which forces clinicians to perceive the visualization of the vessel anatomy.

VesselNavigator combines live interventional X-ray images with pre-acquired 3D MRI or CT images of the patient’s vascular structure. The resulting 3D color-coded images provide enhanced real-time visual guidance.

The VesselNavigator is awaiting 510(k) clearance in the U.S., Philips said. — Kellen Owings