Philips Introduces SmartIQ Coronary Imaging Technology for Azurion Platform in Europe

May 26, 2026—Royal Philips announced the launch of its SmartIQ coronary imaging technology for the Azurion image-guided therapy platform. SmartIQ is intended to improve image quality while reducing radiation exposure during coronary procedures. The company showcased SmartIQ at EuroPCR 2026 in Paris, France.

Philips advised that SmartIQ has received CE Mark approval and is available in Europe and selected markets on new and existing Azurion systems. The technology is not yet cleared for use in the United States.

Interventional cardiologists Mark Winkens, MD, from Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital in Tilburg, the Netherlands, and Nicolaj Brejnholt Støttrup, MD, from Aarhus University Hospital in Aarhus, Denmark commented on the SmartIQ technology in the Philips press release.

“With this new imaging technology, we can go really low in dose and achieve even better image quality,” stated Dr. Winkens. “It’s a win-win.”

Dr. Støttrup added, “Image quality is the foundation of every decision we make in the cath lab. SmartIQ has genuinely surprised us. It delivers the clarity we need at very low radiation dose levels.”

Philips also stated that findings from a recently published study suggest that SmartIQ was preferred in most blinded image comparisons and achieved higher image quality scores while maintaining or lowering radiation and contrast dose. Saba Assar, MD, et al published the study, “Exploring a Novel Processing Algorithm to Improve Image Quality and Reduce X-Ray and Contrast Dose for Coronary Angiography: A Blinded Pilot Study,” in JSCAI.

According to the company, SmartIQ builds on the company’s ClarityIQ platform and includes an ultra-low-dose protocol for coronary imaging that uses > 50% less x-ray radiation than the lowest-dose settings currently available with ClarityIQ. ClarityIQ has been associated with radiation exposure reductions between 23% and 83%, depending on the clinical area, stated Philips.

The company noted that SmartIQ is being further evaluated in the ongoing RADIQAL trial, which is assessing radiation dose reduction compared with ClarityIQ while maintaining procedural performance. Philips reported that the study has reached 60% enrollment and completed enrollment at European sites.