Canon Medical’s new Alphenix / Evolve Edition Angiography system, which was introduced in Europe in August 2023, has opened new windows of opportunity for Interventional Cardiologists. Unique Deep Learning technology with real-time application enables users of the Alphenix / Evolve Edition to enhance imaging and reduce the time and radiation dose required for routine and complex Interventional Cardiology procedures, such as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Structural Heart Disease (SHD) treatments. The results are increased success in these intricate procedures and improved safety for clinicians and patients.

Imaging plays a crucial role in PCI and SHD interventions, from preprocedural evaluation and device size selection to treatment and follow-up. With the number of patients requiring these interventions growing rapidly on a global level, Canon Medical’s Alphenix / Evolve Edition Angiography System supports these complex procedures and enables clinicians to advance further with them than ever before.

“Interventional Cardiology departments are faced with growing clinical demands, financial pressures, and the need for improved efficiency, as the number and complexity of cases increase,” remarked Kunitoshi Matsumoto, Global General Manager of Canon Medical’s Vascular Systems Division. “To meet these challenges, Canon Medical has introduced the Alphenix / Evolve Edition.”

Technology that supports progress
The new Angiography system features Canon Medical’s most advanced Deep Learning technology, powered by Altivity* - αEvolve Imaging – which includes a whole new suite of AI-technologies developed to provide instantaneous, real-time assistance for key diagnostic and therapeutic decisions without interrupting workflow. αEvolve Imaging utilizes Deep Learning based noise reduction and multi-frequency processing to provide cleaner, sharper, more defined images. Its complex algorithm enables outstandingly clear fluoroscopic imaging, which can deliver a two times higher contrast-to-noise ratio compared to conventional image processing.

αEvolve Imaging has been developed by Canon Medical and tested in several leading centers of healthcare expertise, including Kumamoto University Hospital (Japan).

“We have rigorously tested our new AI technologies in both development and clinical phases and are extremely confident that they will have a big impact on clinical success in Interventional Cardiology,” said Kunitoshi Matsumoto.



Canon Medical’s Altivity
Introducing Altivity, our bold new approach to AI innovation that uses smart technologies to make a whole new level of quality, insight and value across the entire care pathway possible. Designed specially to address the growing complexities of interventional cardiology we developed Evolve Technology. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Evolve provides innovative solutions to support high quality, safe and efficient diagnosis and treatment while improving the experience for patients and healthcare workers.

“Those involved in the clinical evaluation of αEvolve Imaging on the Alphenix / Evolve Edition recently presented their initial experiences at EuroPCR 2023¹ in Paris with very positive results.”

Better image quality with minimal dose is particularly valuable in intricate Interventional Cardiology procedures, such as those required during PCI for maneuvering devices and confirmation of coronary blood circulation. It is also to obtain a deeper or improved perception of structure or anatomy, and gain better image comprehension in challenging situations, such as where steep angulation is required, as well as examinations for obese patients.

With basic image quality so drastically improved, the use of contrast media and X-ray dose can be minimized. As an example, Kumamoto University Hospital in Japan succeeded in reducing X-ray dose by up to 30% compared to the normal system settings with use of αEvolve Imaging.

Building on existing strengths
The Alphenix / Evolve Edition leverages the strengths of existing Alphenix technologies, such as the ergonomics of the C-arm with a range of C-arm positions that provide coverage from head-to-toe and fingertip-to-fingertip. It can be moved to pretty much anywhere required without having to move the catheter table. The system’s 12x12inch Flat Panel Detector (FPD) technology also supports complete procedural flexibility.

And the integrated cardiac-optimized technologies help deliver the best possible outcomes to patients. These include tools to simplify procedure planning, technology to help users see and navigate in confidence, and better protect patient and clinical staff with a comprehensive suite of dose optimization technologies, such as the Dose Tracking System (DTS) that provides real-time information on radiation dose.

Advanced tools for specific procedures
In addition, the Alphenix / Evolve Edition features a number of new AI-based tools that offer a new level of support for complex Interventional Cardiology procedures.

The Dynamic Device Stabilizer (DDS) is trained with Deep Learning algorithm to automatically detect balloon markers in real-time, magnifying and stabilizing the image on a separate screen to assist visualization and assessment during complex PCI.

Echo Fusion supports better visibility for SHD procedures such as Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC), by tapping into Deep Learning intelligence to automatically identify the echocardiography probe and efficiently fuse the fluoroscopic and echo image without additional operator input.

“We are very proud to bring these meaningful innovations to the market,” said Erwan Ladsous, Canon Medical’s European Director Interventional X-ray. “By deploying Canon Medical’s AI expertise to the field of interventional cardiology, we have full confidence that this will offer impactful tools to physicians and, most importantly, enhance patient care.”

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