Philips launches UniGuide in Europe, a tool that integrates the scanner in the operating room
In a press release published on October 29, 2026, Royal Philips announced that its CE-marked UniGuide 3D Live Guidance solution has been commercially available since October 23, 2026 in Europe and other markets recognizing this marking. It is not available for sale in the United States.
The tool integrates data from a scan performed before the procedure directly into the workflow of image-guided therapy procedures.
A first version focused on the heart and blood vessels
According to the group, this first version links information from a preoperative scan to the real-time workflow of the Azurion platform. It covers coronary angioplasty, cardiac structural interventions and complex vascular procedures.
For coronary interventions, data from a coronary scan can be superimposed in 3D over the live image or displayed side by side in a synchronized manner, including notably the characteristics of plaques. The physician thus has access during the procedure to information normally consulted on separate systems.
Philips presents UniGuide as an illustration of its strategy of leveraging Azurion to create a more connected environment in image-guided therapy. The group indicates its intention to progressively extend this foundation to multiple imaging modalities, clinical applications and types of procedures.
An open system for third-party tools, tested with 15 clinicians
UniGuide accepts planning data from Philips' Advanced Visualization Workspace tool and compatible third-party solutions, provided they comply with the DICOM conformance statement published by the group. Information is displayed on the large FlexVision screen and can be manipulated from the touch module placed at the edge of the table.
In a usability study conducted by Philips in March 2026 with 15 American clinicians, 93% of participants believed that this integration could improve the efficiency of catheterization laboratories. Eighty percent considered that the tool's automation could help physicians remain focused during the procedure.
"Access to scanner angiography allows us to assess the relevant aspects of the vessels we will treat, to improve the planning and precision of the intervention," said Professor Javier Escaned, head of the interventional cardiology section at Clínico San Carlos Hospital in Madrid.
