MEDIATE

Project results

MEDIATE geared its efforts to developing system architectures that enable the integration of multi-modal systems, support multi-vendor interoperability, allow integration of third-party solutions and facilitate user interaction. The resulting set of technologies improves not only healthcare practitioners' knowledge of the condition of individual patients but also the predictability of procedures, reducing complications and obtaining better clinical outcomes from treatment.

The platform-independent, interoperable solutions were based on open, stable standards such as XML Web Services while new software and electronics concepts for user interaction, communication and ergonomics were optimised for the specific tasks and environment of the clinical user.

These solutions had to be intuitive and easy to use, support communication between clinical staff, address logging and reporting as well as facilitate optimal workflow. The software and electronics for navigation and autonomous steering of diagnostic and therapeutic devices were smoothly and seamlessly integrated with imaging systems to enable the real-time acquisition, processing, integration and visualisation of high-resolution medical images from different sources. Finally, there was a focus on the analysis, pattern recognition and decision support for diagnosis, planning and treatment during medical interventions.

Exploitation

In recent years, Philips has released motion compensation enhancements for MRI developed in MEDIATE as well as metal artefact correction techniques based on MEDIATE results. Moreover, in 2015, after updating the relevant IEC standards and actively collaborating with big implant vendors like Medtronic, Abbot (St Jude) and Biotronik, Philips was the first to introduce an easy-to-use user interface, called ScanWise Implant, for scanning patients with MR Conditional implants, serving a rapidly growing population of patients around the globe. The MEDIATE architecture is also the basis for Azurion, Philips' next generation image-guided therapy platform and the new core of its integrated image-guided therapy solutions portfolio. The MEDIATE results on a new architecture for its interventional X-ray systems fit in with Philips' strategy to enter the Image Guided Interventions and Therapy solutions market, which is about 10 times larger than the interventional imaging market alone.

Barco used the results of the MEDIATE project to create its Nexxis platform, an IP-centric solution for video and image management and distribution in the next-generation digital operating rooms. This unique video distribution-over-IP approach allows ‘plug & play', enabling medical equipment to be rolled into the operating room and be instantly connected. Furthermore, the Nexxis system has been selected as the integration and visualisation backbone by leading suppliers of operating room equipment, like Karl Storz, Merivaara and Brainlab.

SurgiQual Institute designed and developed an innovative clinical application that uses radio frequencies to suppress tumours as well as leveraged this work into a more general software environment adapted for planning patient-specific medical interventions.

Digisens developed a new reconstruction algorithm based on an iterative approach for dose reduction and metal artefact reduction.