Philips wins FDA clearance for ElastQ liver imaging tech

Royal Philips (NYSE:PHG) said today that it won 510(k) clearance from the FDA for its ElastQ imaging technology, which allows for simultaneous imaging and assessment of tissue stiffness to diagnose liver conditions such as hepatitis B and cirrhosis.

The company’s technology uses shear wave elastography to focus sound waves and assess soft tissue stiffness, according to Philips.

Traditionally, healthcare practitioners perform liver biopsies to determine the stage of liver disease and these procedures can be costly and painful. Philips touts its ultrasound technology as a non-invasive alternative to conventional liver biopsies.

“Philips aims to provide the tools necessary for assessing and managing chronic conditions that so many people face, and liver disease is no exception,” ultrasound business leader Vitor Rocha said in prepared remarks. “We know that liver disease is a growing health concern around the globe, and we are committed to pioneering innovations like ElastQ Imaging to create our ultimate ultrasound liver solution that offers exceptional clinical performance, further improving patient care.”

The company claimed that its ElastQ imaging technology offers a larger field of view than competitors and provides real-time feedback and intelligent analysis, along with quantitative measurements and multiple sample points.

“There is a significant population at risk for liver disease that may not even know it,” radiologist Dr. Richard Barr added. “As a radiologist, I see every day how important liver assessment is becoming, and I’m hopeful that this solution will help patients get the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment they need.”

PHG shares were trading at $30.13 apiece in mid-afternoon trading today, up 1.5%.

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