Philips launches real-time 3D intracardiac imaging in Europe, expanding access to minimally invasive heart procedures

Rhea-AI Summary

Philips (PHG) has launched its VeriSight Pro 3D Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) catheter in Europe, following its success in the US. This innovative device features a miniaturized ultrasound probe (3mm diameter) at the tip of a steerable catheter, providing real-time 2D and 3D imaging from inside the heart. The technology enables detailed visualization for structural heart procedures without requiring general anesthesia, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The catheter integrates with Philips' EPIQ ultrasound systems and Azurion image-guided therapy platform, featuring xPlane and iRotate technologies for precise assessment and device deployment. The launch will be showcased at EuroPCR 2025 in Paris, featuring physician-led symposiums, hands-on training, and VR-based demonstrations.

Positive

• Introduction of innovative 3D imaging technology that reduces the need for general anesthesia
• Potential for shorter hospital stays and lower costs by eliminating Post-Anesthesia Care Unit recovery time
• Seamless integration with existing Philips ecosystem for structural heart procedures
• Enhanced procedural efficiency through real-time visualization and precise device deployment

Negative

• None.

Insights

Medical Device Industry Expert

Philips' VeriSight Pro European launch expands their cardiology portfolio with innovative 3D imaging technology that reduces procedure complexity and improves patient experience.

Philips' European launch of the VeriSight Pro 3D ICE catheter represents a significant advancement in intracardiac imaging technology. This 3 millimeter miniaturized ultrasound probe delivers real-time 2D and 3D visualization from inside the heart chambers, enabling physicians to perform complex structural heart procedures with enhanced precision.

The most compelling clinical advantage is the elimination of general anesthesia requirements typically associated with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This translates to reduced procedural complexity, shorter hospital stays, and lower overall costs for healthcare systems. For patients with structural heart disease requiring interventions like transcatheter valve repair or left atrial appendage closure, this represents a less invasive alternative with potentially faster recovery times.

Strategically, this European expansion follows successful implementation in the US market, suggesting proven clinical adoption and effectiveness. The technology's integration with Philips' existing EPIQ ultrasound and Azurion imaging platforms creates a comprehensive ecosystem for structural heart care, strengthening their competitive position against other medical imaging providers.

The timing is particularly favorable as Europe experiences growing volumes of transcatheter procedures for structural heart disease. By addressing key workflow barriers and resource constraints in interventional cardiology, Philips is positioning this technology to capture market share in a growing segment of minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The endorsement from prominent European clinicians like Prof. Dr. Jörg Hausleiter indicates early clinical acceptance in this new market.

May 19, 2025

• VeriSight Pro 3D ICE catheter is a pioneering innovation — a miniaturized ultrasound probe embedded at the tip of a thin, steerable catheter, navigated through the vascular system into the heart chambers to deliver high-quality 2D and 3D images in real time
• Catheter offers enhanced procedural guidance without the need for general anesthesia, supporting more efficient and patient-friendly care for structural heart disease
  

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced the introduction of its VeriSight Pro 3D Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) catheter in Europe. Building on its success in the United States, VeriSight Pro brings real-time 3D imaging directly inside the heart, helping physicians perform procedures with greater clarity — without the need for general anesthesia.

Designed for procedures such as transcatheter valve repair and left atrial appendage closure, VeriSight Pro offers high-resolution 2D and 3D visualization directly within the heart chambers. This enables confident clinical decision-making in structural heart and electrophysiology interventions, while removing the need for general anesthesia and associated risks.

“With VeriSight Pro 3D ICE, we now have the ability to see detailed cardiac anatomy from inside the heart in real time,” said Prof. Dr. Jörg Hausleiter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Germany. “This helps streamline our workflows and makes complex procedures more accessible to patients who may not tolerate more invasive imaging approaches.”

Addressing structural heart disease with less burden on patients and hospitals
Structural heart disease is a growing challenge across Europe, with increasing volumes of transcatheter valve repair and closure procedures. Today, many of these are supported by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which often requires general anesthesia, additional staff, and extended room time. In contrast, 3D ICE imaging provides detailed visualization from within the heart through a catheter introduced via the femoral vein, reducing the need for general anesthesia and recovery time in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), which can shorten hospital stays and lower costs.

VeriSight Pro is a pioneering innovation: a miniaturized ultrasound probe, approximately 3 millimeters in diameter, embedded at the tip of a thin, steerable catheter. This tiny device can be navigated through the vascular system and into the heart chambers, where it delivers high-quality 2D and 3D images in real time. Imaging the heart from within, with control over the scan angle, opens entirely new possibilities for guiding structural heart interventions. Physicians can assess anatomy, guide device placement, and confirm procedural results — all from a single access point, and without the need for more invasive imaging techniques.
As the first ICE catheter to miniaturize the same 3D imaging technology used in TEE, VeriSight Pro helps address key barriers in delivering efficient, scalable care — from patient tolerance to resource availability in interventional suites.

“VeriSight Pro reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering clinically relevant innovations that enhance precision, reduce procedure complexity, and improve the care experience,” said Stacy Beske, Business Leader of Image-Guided Therapy Devices at Philips. “Its availability in Europe is an important milestone in helping more patients benefit from image-guided, minimally invasive heart procedures, while supporting care teams with integrated solutions that adapt to the way they work.”

Part of an integrated portfolio for structural heart care
VeriSight Pro is part of Philips’ structural heart disease ecosystem, seamlessly integrating with Philips’ EPIQ ultrasound systems, which in turn integrate with the Azurion image-guided therapy platform. Combined with tools such as EchoNavigator, Philips offers an end-to-end solution for clinicians performing procedures such as tricuspid and mitral valve repair and replacement, atrial septal defect closure, and left atrial appendage occlusion.

The catheter’s unique features — including xPlane and iRotate technologies — allow physicians to visualize two imaging planes simultaneously and digitally adjust views without physically repositioning the catheter tip. These capabilities enable precise assessment and device deployment with fewer imaging steps.

Showcasing 3D ICE in action at EuroPCR 2025
Philips will highlight VeriSight Pro and its role in structural heart interventions at EuroPCR 2025 in Paris, May 20–23. Key activities include:

• Physician-led symposium: “Advanced Imaging in Structural Heart Disease Interventions” (Tuesday, May 20), featuring case insights from U.S. and European clinicians using 3D ICE and AI-assisted imaging.
• Hands-on training village: Real-world imaging practice with VeriSight Pro on Mentice simulators, supported by Philips experts and in collaboration with Edwards Lifesciences.
• Immersive VR-based launch training: Invite-only program showcasing clinical protocols for left atrial appendage occlusion and TV TEER, including headset-based live procedure simulations.

These sessions will offer clinicians an in-depth look at how 3D ICE is being applied in real-world structural heart procedures — from imaging protocols to workflow integration and clinical outcomes. A complete and detailed overview of sessions can be found here: www.philips.com/europcr.

For further information, please contact:

Joost Maltha
Philips Global External Relations
Tel.: +31 6 10 55 8116
E-Mail: joost.maltha@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips’ patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2024 sales of EUR 18 billion and employs approximately 67,200 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Attachment

• Philips VeriSight Pro 3D ICE catheter

FAQ

What is Philips VeriSight Pro 3D ICE catheter and how does it work?

VeriSight Pro is a miniaturized ultrasound probe (3mm diameter) embedded in a steerable catheter that provides real-time 2D and 3D imaging from inside the heart chambers. It's introduced via the femoral vein and helps guide structural heart procedures without requiring general anesthesia.

What are the main benefits of PHG's VeriSight Pro 3D ICE catheter for patients?

The main benefits include elimination of general anesthesia, reduced recovery time, shorter hospital stays, and lower costs compared to traditional imaging methods. It enables minimally invasive procedures with high-quality imaging guidance.

How does VeriSight Pro integrate with other Philips medical devices?

VeriSight Pro integrates seamlessly with Philips' EPIQ ultrasound systems and Azurion image-guided therapy platform, forming part of a complete ecosystem for structural heart procedures.

What procedures can be performed using Philips' VeriSight Pro 3D ICE catheter?

The catheter is designed for procedures such as transcatheter valve repair and replacement, left atrial appendage closure, atrial septal defect closure, and other structural heart and electrophysiology interventions.

What unique features does the PHG VeriSight Pro catheter offer for physicians?

The catheter features xPlane and iRotate technologies, allowing physicians to view two imaging planes simultaneously and adjust views digitally without repositioning the catheter tip, enabling precise assessment and device deployment.