Aussie medtech partners with Philips to expand access to lung screening

MedTech & Diagnostics News: Australian-based company specialising in four-dimensional lung imaging has inked a pivotal commercial agreement with global medtech Philips. The collaboration aims to evaluate Veterans dealing with deployment-related respiratory diseases (DRRD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), and various other respiratory illnesses.

Under the terms of the agreement, 4DMedical and Philips will join forces to pioneer innovative lung screening solutions, leveraging the capabilities of 4DMedical’s cutting-edge software alongside Philips’ fluoroscopy and CT systems. The ultimate goal is to solidify a reseller agreement, wherein 4DMedical’s XV Technology and Imbio portfolio will become integral components of Philips’ product catalogue, providing a comprehensive third-party solution encompassing both software and hardware. The collaborative effort also aspires to extend its reach beyond the United States.

Philips has already made strides in addressing respiratory health challenges in underserved communities, including in Australia. The incidence of lung cancer in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia is approximately 30% higher than the national average. Recognising this health disparity, Philips partnered with Heart of Australia to pioneer a solution.

Philips’ engineering team collaborated with Heart of Australia to design the world’s first solar and battery-powered low-dose CT scanner housed in a ruggedised 26-meter B-double truck. This innovative mobile unit overcame the challenges posed by the rough terrain of the Australian outback and off-road locations lacking stable electricity supply. The unit operates independently in terms of power requirements, while an advanced tele-PACS communication system enables remote clinicians to view CT scans promptly, make diagnoses, and determine optimal treatment plans.

Professor Catherine Jones, lead radiologist at Heart of Australia, emphasised the transformative impact of the mobile CT unit, stating “People exposed to dust and respiratory hazards in mines, has been a significant issue with many miners developing mine dust lung diseases. Miners now get much more than just a CT chest scan. They get a comprehensive health assessment including lung function, occupational health checks, and hearing tests. We coordinate with the whole care team to discuss what could be wrong with each patient and how best to treat them next. It’s much more than just taking a scan and moving on to the next mining town,”

In its inaugural year of operation, Heart of Australia’s mobile CT unit provided over 2500 patient consultations, conducted more than 2500 X-rays, performed over 500 CT scans, and diagnosed 159 cases of respiratory disease. Beyond its primary focus on lung health, the program has expanded its scope, with five mobile units delivering cardiology services, stress tests, ECGs, and echocardiograms, along with 10 other medical specialties, to underserved rural and remote communities.

As both 4DMedical and Philips continue to pioneer advancements in medical technology, this agreement signifies a concerted effort to address critical respiratory conditions.

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