Philips Japan Unveils SmartIQ Technology to Enhance Cardiovascular Treatment Options
On July 14, 2026, Philips Japan organized a press seminar at its headquarters in Azabudai, Tokyo, to highlight their latest imaging solution, SmartIQ Technology, which was launched earlier that month. As the aging population continues to face an increase in cardiovascular diseases and the demand on medical professionals continues to grow, there is greater emphasis on catheter treatments that minimize patient burden. However, as treatments evolve, there's a pressing need for imaging technology that can support doctors in delivering precise care while keeping patient discomfort to a minimum.
This seminar featured a comprehensive introduction to Philips' efforts in image-guided therapy and showcased detailed insights into the capabilities of SmartIQ Technology. Among the speakers was Dr. Shigeru Nakamura from Kyoto Katsura Hospital's Cardiovascular Center, who discussed the clinical challenges and latest trends in cardiovascular treatments.
Philips' President, Misako Abe, kicked off the event by reflecting on the company's history and its commitment as a healthcare technology leader. Following this, Business Leader IGT Japan, Dr. Imramsjah Martijn J. van der Bom, elaborated on the challenges that the Japanese healthcare sector currently faces and outlined Philips' initiatives focused on supporting minimally invasive treatments.
The introduction of SmartIQ Technology was presented by Yuuta Doi, an IGT Modality Sales Specialist. As the number of heart failure patients rises, often termed a ‘heart failure pandemic,’ the volume of cardiac catheterizations is also expected to increase. The process involves operating a catheter and treatment tools while interpreting X-ray images, meaning that the quality of imaging significantly impacts both the safety and precision of the procedures. However, experts stress the importance of minimizing radiation exposure and the amount of contrast agents used to alleviate patient burdens.
SmartIQ Technology employs an innovative imaging processing system designed to tackle these concerns. Utilizing a Content-Aware imaging algorithm, the technology distinguishes the target blood vessel images from background noise, enhancing only the relevant vascular images. By eliminating noise and emphasizing essential information, it aims to achieve high-quality imaging that supports less invasive treatments. Moreover, the system continuously compares processed and original images to maintain clinical information consistency, providing accurate and reliable imagery essential for procedures.
Dr. Nakamura's presentation focused on the clinical challenges faced during catheterization therapies, emphasizing the need to balance necessary image quality with reduced radiation exposure and less strain on the kidneys caused by contrast agents. He presented evidence from cases involving the use of SmartIQ Technology, showing that images taken with 50% lower radiation were still of superior quality, facilitating reliable assessments of vessel narrowing, particularly beneficial for patients with diabetes or kidney issues.
The seminar underscored Philips Japan's dedication to advancing healthcare technology tailored to the needs of an aging population, seeking to enhance the quality of life for patients while enabling healthcare professionals to perform their tasks with greater efficiency and accuracy.
Philips Japan, founded in 1953 as a subsidiary of Royal Philips, is committed to leading the healthcare technology sector, emphasizing better health and improved living conditions. With a workforce of approximately 2,000 people and 70 business locations, Philips aims to address Japan's healthcare challenges amid a rapidly aging society.
For more information, visit Philips Japan.
This seminar featured a comprehensive introduction to Philips' efforts in image-guided therapy and showcased detailed insights into the capabilities of SmartIQ Technology. Among the speakers was Dr. Shigeru Nakamura from Kyoto Katsura Hospital's Cardiovascular Center, who discussed the clinical challenges and latest trends in cardiovascular treatments.
Philips' President, Misako Abe, kicked off the event by reflecting on the company's history and its commitment as a healthcare technology leader. Following this, Business Leader IGT Japan, Dr. Imramsjah Martijn J. van der Bom, elaborated on the challenges that the Japanese healthcare sector currently faces and outlined Philips' initiatives focused on supporting minimally invasive treatments.
The introduction of SmartIQ Technology was presented by Yuuta Doi, an IGT Modality Sales Specialist. As the number of heart failure patients rises, often termed a ‘heart failure pandemic,’ the volume of cardiac catheterizations is also expected to increase. The process involves operating a catheter and treatment tools while interpreting X-ray images, meaning that the quality of imaging significantly impacts both the safety and precision of the procedures. However, experts stress the importance of minimizing radiation exposure and the amount of contrast agents used to alleviate patient burdens.
SmartIQ Technology employs an innovative imaging processing system designed to tackle these concerns. Utilizing a Content-Aware imaging algorithm, the technology distinguishes the target blood vessel images from background noise, enhancing only the relevant vascular images. By eliminating noise and emphasizing essential information, it aims to achieve high-quality imaging that supports less invasive treatments. Moreover, the system continuously compares processed and original images to maintain clinical information consistency, providing accurate and reliable imagery essential for procedures.
Dr. Nakamura's presentation focused on the clinical challenges faced during catheterization therapies, emphasizing the need to balance necessary image quality with reduced radiation exposure and less strain on the kidneys caused by contrast agents. He presented evidence from cases involving the use of SmartIQ Technology, showing that images taken with 50% lower radiation were still of superior quality, facilitating reliable assessments of vessel narrowing, particularly beneficial for patients with diabetes or kidney issues.
The seminar underscored Philips Japan's dedication to advancing healthcare technology tailored to the needs of an aging population, seeking to enhance the quality of life for patients while enabling healthcare professionals to perform their tasks with greater efficiency and accuracy.
Event Information
- - Date: July 14, 2026, 14:00 – 15:00
- - Venue: Philips Japan Azabudai Headquarters, Tokyo
- - Speakers: Dr. Shigeru Nakamura from Kyoto Katsura Hospital, Dr. Imramsjah Martijn J. van der Bom, Yuuta Doi from Philips Japan
Philips Japan, founded in 1953 as a subsidiary of Royal Philips, is committed to leading the healthcare technology sector, emphasizing better health and improved living conditions. With a workforce of approximately 2,000 people and 70 business locations, Philips aims to address Japan's healthcare challenges amid a rapidly aging society.
For more information, visit Philips Japan.
Topics Health）
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