Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced that its Lumify with Reacts handheld tele-ultrasound solution is now commercially available in Japan. Philips has received clearance from Japan’s healthcare authority to introduce the ultrasound solution for compatible handheld devices [1] in the world’s third largest healthcare market after the US and China. Launched in Japan with a novel subscription model unique in the industry, Philips’ tele-ultrasound solution aims to make high-quality portable ultrasound available almost everywhere in the country.
Improving the diagnostic imaging experience for patients and staff
Japan’s declining birthrate and aging population makes the need for medical diagnostic equipment that can adapt to these changing demographics more relevant than ever. The portability of Lumify brings a powerful portable diagnostic solution to care professionals in the hospital, enabling them to use ultrasound imaging for bedside diagnosis and to monitor medical conditions. Additionally, Lumify can be easily taken to community settings at the point of care, helping to reduce the need for elderly people to travel to hospitals in Japan’s larger cities.
"By bringing diagnostic insight to the point of care, Lumify is a great example of how Philips is supporting providers to deliver on the ambition of the ‘quadruple aim’ in healthcare: better health outcomes, an improved experience for patients and staff, and a lower cost of care,” said Matthijs Groot Wassink, General Manager for Access and Obstetric Ultrasound at Philips. “Its transducer connects to a smart device such as a tablet, making it a compact and highly durable solution. In addition, by utilizing Philips’ Lumify with Reacts capability, real-time ultrasound images can be shared between medical staff involved in collaboration during imaging procedures.”
Highly versatile, app-based mobile ultrasound
Lumify is a highly versatile solution primarily intended for use in places where quick and easy access to diagnostic ultrasound imaging is required. Its portability and ruggedness make it suitable for point-of-care use both in hospitals and in places like ambulances, doctor’s offices, and patients’ homes during GP visits. It is also used in remote community healthcare programs such as mother & childcare projects being rolled out by Philips and the Philips Foundation in Africa. In addition to allowing clinicians to remotely collaborate by sharing ultrasound images in real time, Lumify’s tele-ultrasound capabilities (Lumify with Reacts) can also be used in medical student and healthcare worker remote training programs.
