Latest news with #Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität
Business Upturn
19-05-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
Philips launches real-time 3D intracardiac imaging in Europe, expanding access to minimally invasive heart procedures
By GlobeNewswire Published on May 19, 2025, 13:00 IST May 19, 2025 VeriSight Pro 3D ICE catheter is a pioneering innovation — a miniaturized ultrasound probe embedded at the tip of a thin, steerable catheter, navigated through the vascular system into the heart chambers to deliver high-quality 2D and 3D images in real time Catheter offers enhanced procedural guidance without the need for general anesthesia, supporting more efficient and patient-friendly care for structural heart disease Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced the introduction of its VeriSight Pro 3D Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) catheter in Europe. Building on its success in the United States, VeriSight Pro brings real-time 3D imaging directly inside the heart, helping physicians perform procedures with greater clarity — without the need for general anesthesia. Designed for procedures such as transcatheter valve repair and left atrial appendage closure, VeriSight Pro offers high-resolution 2D and 3D visualization directly within the heart chambers. This enables confident clinical decision-making in structural heart and electrophysiology interventions, while removing the need for general anesthesia and associated risks. '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, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Germany. 'This helps streamline our workflows and makes complex procedures more accessible to patients who may not tolerate more invasive imaging approaches.' Addressing structural heart disease with less burden on patients and hospitals Structural heart disease is a growing challenge across Europe, with increasing volumes of transcatheter valve repair and closure procedures. Today, many of these are supported by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which often requires general anesthesia, additional staff, and extended room time. In contrast, 3D ICE imaging provides detailed visualization from within the heart through a catheter introduced via the femoral vein, reducing the need for general anesthesia and recovery time in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), which can shorten hospital stays and lower costs. VeriSight Pro is a pioneering innovation: a miniaturized ultrasound probe, approximately 3 millimeters in diameter, embedded at the tip of a thin, steerable catheter. This tiny device can be navigated through the vascular system and into the heart chambers, where it delivers high-quality 2D and 3D images in real time. Imaging the heart from within, with control over the scan angle, opens entirely new possibilities for guiding structural heart interventions. Physicians can assess anatomy, guide device placement, and confirm procedural results — all from a single access point, and without the need for more invasive imaging techniques. As the first ICE catheter to miniaturize the same 3D imaging technology used in TEE, VeriSight Pro helps address key barriers in delivering efficient, scalable care — from patient tolerance to resource availability in interventional suites. 'VeriSight Pro reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering clinically relevant innovations that enhance precision, reduce procedure complexity, and improve the care experience,' said Stacy Beske, Business Leader of Image-Guided Therapy Devices at Philips. 'Its availability in Europe is an important milestone in helping more patients benefit from image-guided, minimally invasive heart procedures, while supporting care teams with integrated solutions that adapt to the way they work.' Part of an integrated portfolio for structural heart care VeriSight Pro is part of Philips' structural heart disease ecosystem, seamlessly integrating with Philips' EPIQ ultrasound systems, which in turn integrate with the Azurion image-guided therapy platform. Combined with tools such as EchoNavigator, Philips offers an end-to-end solution for clinicians performing procedures such as tricuspid and mitral valve repair and replacement, atrial septal defect closure, and left atrial appendage occlusion. The catheter's unique features — including xPlane and iRotate technologies — allow physicians to visualize two imaging planes simultaneously and digitally adjust views without physically repositioning the catheter tip. These capabilities enable precise assessment and device deployment with fewer imaging steps. Showcasing 3D ICE in action at EuroPCR 2025 Philips will highlight VeriSight Pro and its role in structural heart interventions at EuroPCR 2025 in Paris, May 20–23. Key activities include: Physician-led symposium : 'Advanced Imaging in Structural Heart Disease Interventions' (Tuesday, May 20), featuring case insights from U.S. and European clinicians using 3D ICE and AI-assisted imaging. : (Tuesday, May 20), featuring case insights from U.S. and European clinicians using 3D ICE and AI-assisted imaging. Hands-on training village : Real-world imaging practice with VeriSight Pro on Mentice simulators, supported by Philips experts and in collaboration with Edwards Lifesciences. : Real-world imaging practice with VeriSight Pro on Mentice simulators, supported by Philips experts and in collaboration with Edwards Lifesciences. Immersive VR-based launch training: Invite-only program showcasing clinical protocols for left atrial appendage occlusion and TV TEER, including headset-based live procedure simulations. These sessions will offer clinicians an in-depth look at how 3D ICE is being applied in real-world structural heart procedures — from imaging protocols to workflow integration and clinical outcomes. A complete and detailed overview of sessions can be found here: For further information, please contact: Joost MalthaPhilips Global External RelationsTel.: +31 6 10 55 8116 E-Mail: [email protected] About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips' patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2024 sales of EUR 18 billion and employs approximately 67,200 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at Attachment Philips VeriSight Pro 3D ICE catheter Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Hamilton Spectator
19-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Philips launches real-time 3D intracardiac imaging in Europe, expanding access to minimally invasive heart procedures
May 19, 2025 Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced the introduction of its VeriSight Pro 3D Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) catheter in Europe. Building on its success in the United States, VeriSight Pro brings real-time 3D imaging directly inside the heart, helping physicians perform procedures with greater clarity — without the need for general anesthesia. Designed for procedures such as transcatheter valve repair and left atrial appendage closure, VeriSight Pro offers high-resolution 2D and 3D visualization directly within the heart chambers. This enables confident clinical decision-making in structural heart and electrophysiology interventions, while removing the need for general anesthesia and associated risks. '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, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Germany. 'This helps streamline our workflows and makes complex procedures more accessible to patients who may not tolerate more invasive imaging approaches.' Addressing structural heart disease with less burden on patients and hospitals Structural heart disease is a growing challenge across Europe, with increasing volumes of transcatheter valve repair and closure procedures. Today, many of these are supported by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which often requires general anesthesia, additional staff, and extended room time. In contrast, 3D ICE imaging provides detailed visualization from within the heart through a catheter introduced via the femoral vein, reducing the need for general anesthesia and recovery time in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), which can shorten hospital stays and lower costs. VeriSight Pro is a pioneering innovation: a miniaturized ultrasound probe, approximately 3 millimeters in diameter, embedded at the tip of a thin, steerable catheter. This tiny device can be navigated through the vascular system and into the heart chambers, where it delivers high-quality 2D and 3D images in real time. Imaging the heart from within, with control over the scan angle, opens entirely new possibilities for guiding structural heart interventions. Physicians can assess anatomy, guide device placement, and confirm procedural results — all from a single access point, and without the need for more invasive imaging techniques. As the first ICE catheter to miniaturize the same 3D imaging technology used in TEE, VeriSight Pro helps address key barriers in delivering efficient, scalable care — from patient tolerance to resource availability in interventional suites. 'VeriSight Pro reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering clinically relevant innovations that enhance precision, reduce procedure complexity, and improve the care experience,' said Stacy Beske, Business Leader of Image-Guided Therapy Devices at Philips. 'Its availability in Europe is an important milestone in helping more patients benefit from image-guided, minimally invasive heart procedures, while supporting care teams with integrated solutions that adapt to the way they work.' Part of an integrated portfolio for structural heart care VeriSight Pro is part of Philips' structural heart disease ecosystem, seamlessly integrating with Philips' EPIQ ultrasound systems, which in turn integrate with the Azurion image-guided therapy platform. Combined with tools such as EchoNavigator, Philips offers an end-to-end solution for clinicians performing procedures such as tricuspid and mitral valve repair and replacement, atrial septal defect closure, and left atrial appendage occlusion. The catheter's unique features — including xPlane and iRotate technologies — allow physicians to visualize two imaging planes simultaneously and digitally adjust views without physically repositioning the catheter tip. These capabilities enable precise assessment and device deployment with fewer imaging steps. Showcasing 3D ICE in action at EuroPCR 2025 Philips will highlight VeriSight Pro and its role in structural heart interventions at EuroPCR 2025 in Paris, May 20–23. Key activities include: These sessions will offer clinicians an in-depth look at how 3D ICE is being applied in real-world structural heart procedures — from imaging protocols to workflow integration and clinical outcomes. A complete and detailed overview of sessions can be found here: . For further information, please contact: Joost Maltha Philips Global External Relations Tel.: +31 6 10 55 8116 E-Mail: About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips' patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2024 sales of EUR 18 billion and employs approximately 67,200 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at . Attachment
Scottish Sun
02-05-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Shockingly intact mummy found perfectly preserved after bizarre ‘rectal twigging' method scientists have never seen
The mummy's upper body is well preserved, but the lower extremities and head show significant decay BUM-MIFIED Shockingly intact mummy found perfectly preserved after bizarre 'rectal twigging' method scientists have never seen Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEARLY 300-year-old mummy has been found "unusually well-preserved" after undergoing a bizarre embalming method. With its skin still remarkably intact, the 18th-century corpse was found with wood chips, twigs and fabric packed into his abdomen through his anus. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 The mummy's upper body is well preserved, but the lower extremities and head show significant decay Credit: Andreas Nerlich 9 The stuffing technique has never been seen before Credit: Andreas Nerlich 9 Upon opening the body, researchers found wood from fir and spruce trees, as well as fragments from branches Credit: Andreas Nerlich 9 There was also a number of different fabrics used, including linen, hemp and flax - which were popular at the time Credit: Andreas Nerlich Upon opening the body, researchers found wood from fir and spruce trees, as well as fragments from branches. There was also a number of different fabrics used, including linen, hemp and flax - which were popular at the time. The technique has never been seen before. "The unusually well-preserved mummy in the church crypt of St Thomas am Blasenstein is the corpse of a local parish vicar, Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg, who died in 1746," said study lead author Dr. Andreas Nerlich, a research at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität that specialises in mummy research. "Our investigation uncovered that the excellent preservation status came from an unusual type of embalming, achieved by stuffing the abdomen through the rectal canal with wood chips, twigs and fabric, and the addition of zinc chloride for internal drying." The mummy's upper body is well preserved, but the lower extremities and head show significant decay. Researchers believe the combination of materials, and the addition of the drying agent zinc chloride, kept the mummy in good condition for nearly 300 years. "Clearly, the wood chips, twigs, and dry fabric absorbed much of the fluid inside the abdominal cavity," said Nerlich. Better-known methods, like those used by the ancient Egyptians, involve opening the body to prepare it. Shock footage reveals moment a medieval mummy is seized in house raid Here, however, the embalming materials were stuffed through the rectal canal. "This type of preservation may have been much more widespread but unrecognised in cases where ongoing postmortal decay processes may have damaged the body wall so that the manipulations would not have been realized as they were," suggested Nerlich. 9 Inside the mummy, researchers also found a single bead, which they believe could have been lost during the preparation of the body Credit: Andreas Nerlich 9 The mummy is assumed to be the preserved remains of a parish vicar named Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg, who died in 1746 Credit: Andreas Nerlich Inside the mummy, researchers also found a single bead, which they believe could have been lost during the preparation of the body. It is not entirely clear who the mummy once was - but there are theories. Located in a church crypt in St. Thomas am Blasenstein, a small village in Austria near the Danube River, the mummy is known locally as the the "air-dried chaplain". It is assumed to be the preserved remains of a parish vicar named Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg, who died in 1746. There was a lack of stress signs on the skeleton, according to experts, which fit the life of a priest without hard physical activity. The mummy is also believed to been between 35 and 45 years old when they died, between the years 1734 and 1780 - which match Sidler's life. People have long speculated the cause of the priest's death. An X-ray analysis in 2000 suggested his mummy contained a poison capsule. But new research, published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, squash this theory. The team conducted extensive analyses, including CT scanning, focal autopsy, and radiocarbon dating. Instead, they found evidence of long-term smoking and signs of tuberculosis in the lungs. 9 St Thomas am Blasenstein Credit: Nachrichten 9 Researchers believe the combination of materials, and the addition of the drying agent zinc chloride, kept the mummy in good condition for nearly 300 years Credit: Andreas Nerlich
The Sun
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Shockingly intact mummy found perfectly preserved after bizarre ‘rectal twigging' method scientists have never seen
A NEARLY 300-year-old mummy has been found "unusually well-preserved" after undergoing a bizarre embalming method. With its skin still remarkably intact, the 18th-century corpse was found with wood chips, twigs and fabric packed into his abdomen through his anus. 9 9 9 9 Upon opening the body, researchers found wood from fir and spruce trees, as well as fragments from branches. There was also a number of different fabrics used, including linen, hemp and flax - which were popular at the time. The technique has never been seen before. "The unusually well-preserved mummy in the church crypt of St Thomas am Blasenstein is the corpse of a local parish vicar, Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg, who died in 1746," said study lead author Dr. Andreas Nerlich, a research at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität that specialises in mummy research. "Our investigation uncovered that the excellent preservation status came from an unusual type of embalming, achieved by stuffing the abdomen through the rectal canal with wood chips, twigs and fabric, and the addition of zinc chloride for internal drying." The mummy's upper body is well preserved, but the lower extremities and head show significant decay. Researchers believe the combination of materials, and the addition of the drying agent zinc chloride, kept the mummy in good condition for nearly 300 years. "Clearly, the wood chips, twigs, and dry fabric absorbed much of the fluid inside the abdominal cavity," said Nerlich. Better-known methods, like those used by the ancient Egyptians, involve opening the body to prepare it. Shock footage reveals moment a medieval mummy is seized in house raid Here, however, the embalming materials were stuffed through the rectal canal. "This type of preservation may have been much more widespread but unrecognised in cases where ongoing postmortal decay processes may have damaged the body wall so that the manipulations would not have been realized as they were," suggested Nerlich. 9 9 Inside the mummy, researchers also found a single bead, which they believe could have been lost during the preparation of the body. It is not entirely clear who the mummy once was - but there are theories. Located in a church crypt in St. Thomas am Blasenstein, a small village in Austria near the Danube River, the mummy is known locally as the the "air-dried chaplain". It is assumed to be the preserved remains of a parish vicar named Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg, who died in 1746. There was a lack of stress signs on the skeleton, according to experts, which fit the life of a priest without hard physical activity. The mummy is also believed to been between 35 and 45 years old when they died, between the years 1734 and 1780 - which match Sidler's life. People have long speculated the cause of the priest's death. An X-ray analysis in 2000 suggested his mummy contained a poison capsule. But new research, published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, squash this theory. The team conducted extensive analyses, including CT scanning, focal autopsy, and radiocarbon dating. Instead, they found evidence of long-term smoking and signs of tuberculosis in the lungs. 9 9 9
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Unravelling the mystery of the Mummy of the 'Air-Dried Chaplain': Vicar who died in 1746 was exceptionally well preserved thanks to unusual embalming technique
After spending nearly 300 years buried in a coffin, most people would be reduced to a pile of bones. But not Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg, the Austrian 'Air-Dried Chaplain' who is exceptionally well-preserved. The long-dead vicar, who passed away in 1746, has an unusual embalming method to thank for his extraordinary durability. But it's not one for the squeamish. 'The unusually well-preserved mummy in the church crypt of St Thomas am Blasenstein is the corps of a local parish vicar, Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg, who died in 1746,' said Dr Andreas Nerlich, a pathologist at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität and first author of the study. While many cultures around the world have embalmed their dead for centuries, this was the first time scientists had seen anything like this. 'Our investigation uncovered that the excellent preservation status came from an unusual type of embalming,' Dr Nerlich said. 'It was achieved by stuffing the abdomen through the rectal canal with wood chips, twigs and fabric, and the addition of zinc chloride for internal drying.' As seen from these pictures, the mummy was extremely well preserved with a 'completely intact body wall' The team conducted extensive analyses including CT scanning, focal autopsy, and radiocarbon dating. The mummy's upper body was fully intact, whereas the lower extremities and head showed considerable post-mortem decay. During their investigation, the researchers found a variety of foreign material packed in the abdominal and pelvic cavity. Upon opening the body, the team identified wood chips from fir and spruce, fragments of branches, as well as different fabrics, including linen, hemp, and flax. All these materials were easily available at that time and in that region. The researchers believe it is this mixture of materials that kept the mummy in such good condition. 'Clearly, the wood chips, twigs, and dry fabric absorbed much of the fluid inside the abdominal cavity,' Dr Nerlich said. Next to these absorbents, a toxicological analysis showed traces of zinc chloride, which has a strong drying effect. While most embalming methods involve opening the body to prepare it, this required inserting the embalming materials through the rectum. Picture A shows a mixture of fragmented white fabric, small wood chips and plant material that was removed from the mummy's abdomen. Picture B shows a round foreign sphere detected in the left pelvis 'This type of preservation may have been much more widespread but unrecognized in cases where ongoing postmortal decay processes may have damaged the body wall so that the manipulations would not have been realized as they were,' Dr Nerlich explained. Inside the mummy, the researchers also found a small glass sphere with holes on both ends – perhaps an application to fabric of monastic origin. Since only a single bead was found, it might have been lost during the preparation of the body. The team's analysis, which included radiocarbon dating, also revealed that the mummy ate a high-quality diet based on central European grains, animal products and possibly fish. Towards the end of his life he may have experienced food shortages, likely due to the War of Austrian Succession. The lack of major sign of stress on the skeleton fits the life of a priest without hard physical activity. There also was evidence of a long-term smoking habit, and lung tuberculosis towards the end of his life. Dr Nerlich said it's possible the mummy had been prepared for transportation to his home abbey, which might have failed for unknown reasons. The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine. WHAT ARE THE OLDEST TATTOOS IN THE WORLD? Since his discovery on 19 December 1991 by German hikers, Ötzi has provided a window into early human history. His mummified remains were uncovered in melting glacier in the mountainous border between Austria and Italy. Analysis of the body has told us that he was alive during the Copper Age and died a grisly death. Ötzi, who was 46 at the time of his death, had brown eyes, relatives in Sardinia, and was lactose intolerant. Experts discovered a total of 61 tattoos on Ötzi's body using different wavelengths of light to pick them out on the mummy's darkened skin. And in December 2015 they were confirmed to be the world's oldest - beating markings on an unidentified South American Chinchorro mummy. Experts had thought the South American mummy with a moustache-like tattoo on its face died in around 4,000BC, before realising it's younger than Ötzi, who was killed in around 3250 BC. While researchers can't be sure why Ötzi had the tattoos, many think that they served as a form of acupuncture. 'We know that they were real tattoos,' Albert Zink, head of the Institute for Mummies and the Iceman in Bolzano, Italy told LiveScience. The ancient tattoo artist who applied them 'made the incisions into the skin, and then they put in charcoal mixed with some herbs.' The tattoos, mostly found on Ötzi's lower back and legs, between the knee and food, may have been a way to relieve the effects of chronic pain or injuries. Ötzi was thought to have done a lot of walking in the Alps, which could have resulted in joint pain in his knees and ankles. The 61st tattoo, found on the ribcage, has puzzled researchers who suggest Ötzi may also suffered from chest pain. If the tattoos were not for therapeutic benefit, the researchers say they could have had symbolic or religious significance. Alternatively, they may simply be geometric shapes with no hidden meaning. In March, 2018, figurative tattoos were been discovered on 5,000-year-old Egyptian mummies at the British Museum. Experts said that these were the world's earliest figurative tattoos. The tattoos are of a wild bull and a Barbary sheep on the upper-arm of a male mummy, and S-shaped motifs on the upper-arm and shoulder of a female. The find dates tattoos containing imagery rather than geometric patterns to 1,000 years earlier than previously thought.
