Philips debuts 3D imaging catheter in Europe

NETHERLANDS – Philips has officially launched its VeriSight Pro 3D intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter in Europe, expanding access to cutting-edge real-time heart imaging for structural heart procedures.

Designed to work seamlessly with Philips’ EPIQ ultrasound systems and Azurion image-guided therapy platform, VeriSight strengthens the company’s integrated ecosystem for managing structural heart disease.

This advanced catheter houses a miniature ultrasound probe at its tip and is inserted through the femoral vein, allowing for real-time 2D and 3D imaging from inside the heart.

The technology aims to enhance precision during complex procedures such as mitral and tricuspid valve repair or replacement, atrial septal defect closure, and left atrial appendage occlusion.

One of VeriSight’s key innovations lies in its xPlane and iRotate technologies, enabling clinicians to view two imaging planes simultaneously and adjust angles digitally, without repositioning the catheter.

This makes procedures faster, more accurate, and less physically demanding for both patients and physicians.

According to Philips, the catheter’s minimally invasive design can reduce the need for general anaesthesia, shorten recovery times in post-anaesthesia care units (PACU), and help decrease overall hospital stays and costs.

Stacy Beske, business leader of image-guided therapy devices at Philips, emphasized that the European rollout of VeriSight marks a significant milestone:

“It allows more patients to benefit from minimally invasive heart procedures and supports care teams with tools that integrate naturally into their workflow,” she noted.

VeriSight Pro received FDA clearance in the U.S. in 2020 and was introduced to select U.S. markets the following year, with the first successful procedure taking place in July 2021.

The European launch comes at a time when structural heart disease is becoming an increasingly urgent health issue.

According to the European Commission, the number of people affected is projected to rise from 14 million in 2020 to over 20 million by 2040, driven largely by an ageing population.

Minimally invasive procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are rapidly gaining ground in treating SHD.

Industry data forecasts the global TAVR market to grow from US $6.16 billion in 2023 to US $13.7 billion by 2033.

Key players like Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic are pushing innovation in this field, with Medtronic’s Evolut system showing promise as a potentially superior alternative.