Philips Unveils SmartIQ for Enhanced Coronary Procedure Imaging

Royal Philips has introduced SmartIQ, a novel imaging technology aimed at mitigating the balance between image quality and radiation exposure in coronary procedures. As part of the Azurion image-guided therapy platform, SmartIQ seeks to provide high-quality images while optimizing radiation and contrast levels.

SmartIQ, developed in collaboration with leading cardiovascular centers, features an ultra-low dose imaging protocol that cuts the x-ray radiation dose by over 50% compared to existing solutions. This development caters to a fundamental challenge in cardiology — the need to maintain excellent image quality without subjecting patients and staff to excessive radiation.

Dr. Mark Winkens, an interventional cardiologist at Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital in the Netherlands, comments on the capabilities of SmartIQ, highlighting its potential to achieve superior images with reduced radiation doses. "With this new imaging technology, we can go really low in dose and achieve even better image quality. It’s a win-win," Dr. Winkens stated.

Philips will showcase SmartIQ at the upcoming EuroPCR 2026 in Paris, allowing attendees to explore the technology and hear from clinicians who have already put it into practice. The first clinical pilot study of SmartIQ, published in the Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, indicates its superiority in image quality over existing methods, while maintaining or reducing both radiation and contrast doses.

Building on Philips' ClarityIQ platform, known for significant reductions of radiation exposure across various clinical areas, SmartIQ further enhances Philips' efforts in radiological innovation. The current RADIQAL trial is assessing SmartIQ in comparison to ClarityIQ, focusing on radiation dose impact without compromising procedural performance. At present, the trial has reached a significant enrollment milestone, with data collection ongoing.

The introduction of SmartIQ reinforces Philips' long-standing commitment to radiation dose reduction in image-guided therapy. Alongside other innovations like DoseAware and EchoNavigator, SmartIQ embodies a comprehensive strategy aimed at delivering necessary image clarity while minimizing radiation exposure. This technology is CE-marked and available in Europe and selected markets, but is not yet cleared for use in the United States.