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Healthcare Trends Shaping Himex Corporation’s Mission in the Philippines

 AUGUST 20, 2024: In the rapidly evolving world of radiology, HIMEX Corporation is dedicated to being at the forefront of cutting-edge imaging solutions, bringing these advancements to the Philippines.

Our mission is to ensure that every corner of our archipelago has access to high-quality radiologic modalities, catering to the needs of medical practitioners and their patients. We are tirelessly working behind the scenes to make this vision a reality.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI is revolutionizing radiology through many different factors, through machine learning and deep learning, which has been seen to not only enhance the detection, characterization and monitoring of disease but also improve overall patient care. 

Machine Learning (ML): a subdivision within AI, refers to training computer algorithms to make predictions based on experience.

Deep learning (DL): is a subset of machine learning (ML) that involves creating complex architectures similar to the interconnected neurons of the human brain.

Here are some examples where AI has been positively impacting our healthcare system today:

Early Detection:

The evolution of Deep Learning (DL) and Machine Learning (ML) has revolutionized clinical cancer research. ML has significantly improved cancer prognosis, enhancing predictions of susceptibility, recurrence, and survival—crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. 

DL, widely applied in breast cancer screening, analyzes images from X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and biopsies with remarkable accuracy. 

According to the American Cancer Society, AI can review and interpret mammograms 30 times faster with 99% accuracy, drastically reducing false positives and unnecessary biopsies.

In 2020, the Philippines saw over 150,000 new cancer diagnoses and more than 90,000 deaths. With advanced AI technologies in our modalities, we can significantly reduce these numbers, ensuring better outcomes for patients across the country.

Tele-radiology

Teleradiology is a transformative branch of telemedicine that facilitates the transmission of radiological images, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, from one location to another for interpretation and consultation. HIMEX Corporation has developed its own Radiology Information System (RIS) called IRIS (Intelligent Radiology Information System), leveraging teleradiology to enable radiologists to review and interpret images from anywhere in the country. This ensures that expert radiological services can reach every part of the Philippines, including the most isolated provinces.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Advanced imaging techniques are transforming the field of radiology, offering enhanced diagnostic capabilities, improved accuracy, and deeper insights into the human body. At Himex Corporation, we want to ensure our modalities that we provide can offer the best advanced imaging techniques to meet the needs of our end-users and patients. Here’s an overview of some of the most significant advancements:

3D Imaging and Reconstruction: Traditional 2D imaging provides flat, single-plane views of anatomical structures. 3D imaging techniques, however, offer a more comprehensive and detailed view.

Applications:

  • CT and MRI: Advanced algorithms reconstruct 3D models from multiple 2D slices, enabling visualization of complex structures such as blood vessels, organs, and tumors.

Functional Imaging: Functional imaging techniques assess physiological processes rather than just anatomical structures.

Applications:

  • fMRI (Functional MRI): Measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, crucial for studying brain function and planning neurosurgical procedures.
  • PET (Positron Emission Tomography): Detects metabolic activity and is often used to diagnose and monitor cancer, as well as to evaluate neurological conditions.

High-Resolution and Low-Dose Imaging

Patient safety is our top priority, and we are committed to providing modalities that reduce scan times, enhance patient comfort, and improve diagnostic accuracy. Technological advancements are continually enhancing image resolution while minimizing radiation exposure.

High-Resolution Imaging: High-resolution imaging provides exceptionally detailed images of the body’s internal structures. This is achieved through advanced imaging modalities that can capture fine details, which are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Low-Dose Imaging: Low-dose imaging techniques aim to reduce the amount of radiation patients are exposed to during imaging procedures. This is particularly important in pediatric imaging and for patients requiring multiple scans over time.

Applications:

  • Low-Dose CT (LDCT): Often used for lung cancer screening, LDCT provides sufficient image quality for detecting nodules while significantly reducing radiation exposure. It is also used in cardiovascular imaging to reduce the risk associated with cumulative radiation exposure.
  • Digital Radiography: Advances in digital X-ray technology allow for lower doses of radiation while maintaining high image quality. Techniques such as dose reduction algorithms and optimized exposure settings are employed.

As radiology continues to advance with groundbreaking innovations, HIMEX Corporation is leading the charge in bringing these cutting-edge technologies to the Philippines.

From AI-enhanced diagnostics to teleradiology and high-resolution, low-dose imaging techniques, we are dedicated to ensuring that every Filipino has access to world-class radiologic services. Our unwavering commitment to innovation and patient care drives us to provide the latest modalities, guaranteeing that healthcare providers and their patients benefit from the best that modern radiology has to offer.

Stay tuned for exciting announcements about our efforts to make these advancements available across the Philippines. Sign up for our newsletter on the link below to be the first to hear about our upcoming initiatives and learn how you can be part of this transformative journey in healthcare. https://zc.vg/W0y1y

References:

Kalender, W.A. “Dose reduction in CT: An update.” European Radiology 12.3 (2002): 578-582. SpringerLink
Raichle, M.E., and Mintun, M.A. “Brain work and brain imaging.” Annual Review of Neuroscience 29 (2006): 449-476. Annual Reviews
McNitt-Gray, M.F. “Clinical Imaging Physics: Current and Future Practice.” Radiographics 36.7 (2016): 1928-1930. Radiographics 
Griffiths, S. (2016). This AI software can tell if you’re at risk from cancer before symptoms appear. [online] Wired. Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/cancer-risk-ai-mammograms/.
Huang, S., Yang, J., Fong, S. and Zhao, Q. (2019). Artificial intelligence in cancer diagnosis and prognosis: Opportunities and challenges. Cancer Letters, 471(0304-3835). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canlet.2019.12.007.

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Himex Corporation is one of the leading diagnostic medical imaging equipment distributors in the Philippines. 

With 35 years of experience in the import, sales and after-sales of MRI, CT-scan, X-ray, Ultrasound machines, Himex offers high-quality brand-new and pre-owned systems. And with over 1,200 installations at over 700 hospitals nationwide, Himex possesses unparalleled experience in sales and after-sales services.

Himex has also pioneered the joint-venture business model for imaging machines and has fostered partnerships with over 20 hospitals, serving over 2 million patients, answering the need of the community for quality-assured innovations and technological expertise in the field of medical instumentation.

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