Philips, Medtronic Partner to Train 300+ Clinicians in Structural Heart Imaging in India

The initiative aims to enhance expertise in multi-modality imaging, including echocardiography (echo) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a specific focus on end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

Philips and Medtronic have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to upskill over 300 clinicians across India in advanced imaging techniques for structural heart diseases. 

The initiative aims to enhance expertise in multi-modality imaging, including echocardiography (echo) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a specific focus on end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

The training program will blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience using Philips’ ultrasound and MRI systems. Sessions will be conducted under the guidance of leading international and Indian experts at 15 key medical institutions specializing in structural heart procedures.

Bharath Sesha, Managing Director, Philips Indian Subcontinent, emphasized the importance of continuous learning in the evolving field of cardiac imaging. “Our mission is centered on providing better care for more people, and this partnership with Medtronic is another step towards that goal. By focusing on innovation and education in structural heart imaging across India, we aim to address rapid advancements in multi-modality imaging through continuous learning. We aim to empower clinicians with advanced techniques such as echocardiography and MRI, leading to more accurate diagnoses and improved care outcomes, especially for ESRD patients.”

He further highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing clinical expertise to improve patient care outcomes. 

“As India’s healthcare landscape progresses to address its high disease burden, we remain committed to enhancing clinical expertise and making a meaningful impact on patient care.”

Focus on Advanced Imaging for TAVI Procedures

Mandeep Singh Kumar, Managing Director and Vice President, Medtronic India, underscored the significance of the collaboration in improving outcomes for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ESRD patients. 

“This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to improving patient outcomes, particularly for those with chronic kidney disease and ESRD. By providing specialized training and advanced imaging solutions, we aim to equip healthcare professionals with the tools they need to enhance the precision of TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) procedures and ultimately improve patient care.”

With approximately 2.2 lakh new ESRD cases reported in India each year, and studies showing that 9.5% of ESRD patients with aortic stenosis can benefit from advanced imaging technologies during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), the demand for improved diagnostic solutions is growing.

Philips’ AI-driven imaging software, which utilizes data from 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) and MRI, eliminates the need for nephrotoxic contrast agents, making it particularly beneficial for kidney patients. The company stated that by enabling alternative imaging approaches, the partnership will help improve both the longevity and quality of life for ESRD patients.