Cardiovascular ultrasound has played a key role in the evolution of early diagnosis of structural heart disease, led by a technology pioneered by Philips: the ‘transesophageal echocardiography’ (TEE) ultrasound transducer. TEE helps cardiologists by providing highly detailed images of the heart and its internal structures. In structural heart disease, the quality of a 3D TEE image can help save lives. The clarity and perspective that come with 3D images exceed 2D alternatives. TEE is also a valuable tool for minimally invasive heart surgeries and procedures, transforming the treatment of damaged heart valves and congenital heart defects [2].

However, there were some patients who still couldn’t benefit from this advanced technology, including pediatric patients as small as 5 kg, adults at risk of complications [3], as well as complex cases such as ICU patients [4], where the transducer probe for 3D TEE was too large. Until now. Announced today, Philips’ new X11-4t Mini 3D TEE transducer is shifting that balance and opening 3D TEE imaging to previously unaddressed patients [1].

“With an estimated 79% share of the combined transducer and catheter global market [5], our cardiac ultrasound technology plays a critical role in many cardiac procedures. But it was frustrating to know that there were still some patients who couldn’t benefit from this hugely beneficial approach to image the heart, and as a result, would often require a different, more invasive, treatment approach,” said David Handler, VP and General Manager for Global Cardiology Ultrasound at Philips. “That’s why we’ve developed a new, even smaller mini 3D TEE transducer that can be used to help physicians serve a wider range of patients, from small children to fragile adults. With this latest FDA 510(k) cleared X11-4t Mini 3D TEE transducer [4], we can help reduce the need for general anesthesia [6] and lower the risk of complications, meaning patients may recover faster from procedures and can be discharged sooner.”

Early clinical users who’ve had the opportunity to carry out procedures with the new transducer have recognized its value.

“With its excellent image quality and small footprint, the X11-4t transducer has the potential to reduce the complications of prolonged transesophageal imaging which can occur during our most difficult structural heart procedures. The transducer’s small size may also be better tolerated by patients during shorter procedures performed under conscious sedation and thus, provide additional high-quality imaging to improve procedural outcomes without the need for general anesthesia,” said Dr. Rebecca Hahn, Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (New York, USA) and Director of Interventional Echocardiography at the Columbia Structural Heart & Valve Center (New York, USA).

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