The Dutch medtech giant designed its transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) ultrasound transducer to help in the early diagnosis of structural heart disease. TEE helps cardiologists by providing highly detailed images of the heart and its internal structures.

Additionally, TEE can help in minimally invasive heart surgeries and procedures. That includes the treatment of damaged heart valves and congenital heart defects.

Philips said the latest TEE system, its X11-4t Mini 3D transducer, opens up the treatment option to a much wider population. Previously, pediatric patients, adults at risk of complications and other complex cases couldn’t access the treatment because 3D TEE proved too large. The new Mini transducer allows previously unaddressed patients to access TEE.