-Advanced algorithm provides high-quality images of all anatomies for a grid-less workflow to enhance diagnostic confidence

-Grid-less workflow with SkyFlow reduces need for exam retakes caused by grid misalignment and the resulting unnecessary x-ray exposure

AMSTERDAM, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced SkyFlow, an X-ray imaging software that produces high-contrast images for all anatomies in situations where clinicians decide not to use a grid, at the 2015 Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting (RSNA)¹. SkyFlow is Philips' first digital imaging solution providing grid-like contrast improvement and enhanced confidence for grid-less radiography, which improves clinician's workflow and supports "first-time-right imaging" by decreasing the need for retakes due to misalignment.

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SkyFlow is a proven technology for bedside chest exams and will be expanded to include other anatomies. The imaging software reduces the effect of scattered radiation by using an algorithm that requires no operator input and automatically adjusts contrast enhancement based on the amount of scatter, giving clinicians a crisper image to improve their diagnostic confidence. A study found that radiographers using SkyFlow technology in a grid-less workflow for chest exams saw an average of 34 seconds of time savings per examination compared to workflow with a grid². SkyFlow can be used for all patient types, including bariatric cases.

"Philips understands the growing need of healthcare providers to increase cost savings while improving patient care," Robert Cascella, executive vice president and CEO, Philips Imaging. "SkyFlow helps providers meet these challenges by simultaneously increasing productivity and patient comfort through shorter examination times and more comfortable positioning without a grid."

High quality images, improved clinician efficiency
Often radiographers face challenging work environments due to varying patient conditions, tight spaces in the exam room, and the tangle of tubes and cords to navigate. Clinicians often choose not to use a grid in imaging to save time related to grid alignment and ensure patient comfort. Historically, grid-less imaging resulted in scattered radiation, causing a significant loss of image contrast, making it difficult for radiologists to make an accurate diagnosis. However, grid-less workflow with SkyFlow technology provides grid-like image contrast and enables faster, less error-prone workflows than other non-grid options.

"With SkyFlow, our chest images which don't use a grid are of a very high quality, and we look forward to seeing this enhancement used for other body parts and applications," said John Berns, Radiologic Technologist, Sint Maartenskliniek Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

On Wednesday, Dec. 2, at RSNA in Chicago, Ill., Detlef Mentrup, PhD, Clinical Scientist from Philips, a lead developer of SkyFlow, and Roman Fischbach, MD, head of the Radiology and Neuroradiology Department, Asklepios Klinik Altona Hospital, Germany, will join other experts in a "Lunch and Learn" session open to event attendees and media. The session will cover how digital scatter correction offers a novel, patient-adaptive image processing that provides grid-like contrast enhancement for mobile radiographs without using an anti-scatter grid, and its impact on clinical image quality and workflow. This event will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. CT in the South Building, Room S403B.

Philips' X-ray imaging processing technology, including SkyFlow, is available through Philips' MobileDiagnost wDR and DigitalDiagnost solutions. Philips is showcasing its entire diagnostic X-Ray suite in booth #6736 at RSNA through Dec. 4. Follow @PhilipsLiveFrom or visit www.philips.com/rsna for more information on Philips' presence at #RSNA15.

To learn more about Philips' SkyFlow and the full suite of Philips' innovative X-Ray solutions, please visit: http://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/solutions/radiography/radiography.

For further information, please contact:

Kathy O'Reilly
Philips Group Communications
Tel: +1 978-221-8919
Email: Kathy.Oreilly@philips.com 
Twitter: @kathyoreilly

Adrienne Smith
Philips Diagnostic Imaging
Tel.: + 1 781-277-1170
Email: Adrienne.Smith@philips.com
Twitter: @AdrienneSmith12

About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2014 sales of EUR 21.4 billion and employs approximately 106,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

¹ *510(k) pending for all anatomies where scattered radiation may have an impact on image quality; usage for chest radiographs cleared (K140771) on April 25, 2014.

² Mentrup, D. et al. Philips Healthcare. Grid-less imaging with SkyFlow: Time savings and workflow improvements. The Netherlands. 2015.

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SOURCE Royal Philips