Philips Debuts Real-Time 3D Imaging Catheter in Europe, Advancing Minimally Invasive Cardiac Interventions

12:20 am UTC June 5, 2025 Jun 5, 2025 | by: Philips | Electrical engineering

(Photo by: Philips)

With the launch of Philips ' Veri Sight Pro catheter, European heart specialists now have access to real-time 3D intracardiac imaging. Tailored for structural heart procedures like transcatheter valve repair and left atrial appendage closure, the device delivers high-resolution imaging directly within the heart, minimizing the need for general anesthesia and streamlining complex interventions.

Structural heart interventions are entering a new phase of precision and efficiency with the European rollout of the VeriSight Pro 3D Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) catheter. The technology enables physicians to visualize the interior of the heart in real time, using a steerable, catheter-based ultrasound probe roughly 3 millimeters in diameter. This miniaturized device navigates through the femoral vein into the heart chambers, providing high-quality 2D and 3D images that enhance diagnostic accuracy and procedural confidence.

“With VeriSight Pro 3D ICE, we now have the ability to see detailed cardiac anatomy from inside the heart in real time,” said Prof. Dr. Jörg Hausleiter of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich. “This helps streamline our workflows and makes complex procedures more accessible to patients who may not tolerate more invasive imaging approaches.”

The technology is especially impactful for structural procedures where traditional imaging methods, like transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), often necessitate general anesthesia, additional staff, and extended procedural times. By contrast, 3D ICE imaging eliminates the need for TEE in many cases, supporting shorter hospital stays and reduced patient recovery time.

Engineering Innovation in a 3mm Package
The VeriSight Pro system integrates a high-resolution ultrasound probe directly at the catheter tip, enabling full control over imaging angles from within the heart. Physicians can dynamically assess cardiac structures, guide device deployment, and confirm procedural success without repositioning or switching between imaging modalities. The catheter includes advanced features like xPlane and iRotate, allowing simultaneous dual-plane visualization and remote adjustment of imaging orientation — all without physically manipulating the catheter’s position.

What sets VeriSight Pro apart is its ability to provide 3D intracardiac views using the same imaging technology traditionally limited to larger TEE probes. This miniaturization marks a significant step in reducing the invasiveness of cardiac interventions while maintaining detailed anatomical visualization.

Impact on Structural Heart Disease Care
Across Europe, demand is rising for minimally invasive solutions to structural heart diseases, such as mitral and tricuspid valve repair, atrial septal defect closure, and left atrial appendage occlusion. These procedures have historically required TEE under general anesthesia. The introduction of 3D ICE offers a less invasive alternative that simplifies logistics, improves patient tolerance, and optimizes operating room resources.

VeriSight Pro integrates with existing systems such as the EPIQ ultrasound platform and the Azurion image-guided therapy suite, allowing clinicians to unify imaging workflows for diagnostic and interventional purposes. Tools like EchoNavigator enhance procedural guidance by synchronizing live fluoroscopy and ultrasound in real time.

Live Demonstration at EuroPCR 2025
The clinical capabilities of VeriSight Pro will be showcased at EuroPCR 2025 in Paris. Sessions include a physician-led symposium titled “Advanced Imaging in Structural Heart Disease Interventions " and hands-on training with simulation systems. Philips will also host immersive VR-based sessions focused on procedural planning and imaging protocols for interventions such as left atrial appendage occlusion and transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (TV TEER).

Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how this technology reshapes interventional cardiology by reducing procedural complexity while expanding access to minimally invasive heart care.