Philips VeriSight Pro 3D ICE technology featured on BBC

Philips VeriSight Pro 3D ICE technology featured on BBC

BBC News program showcases how real-time imaging from inside the heart is helping advance minimally invasive structural heart procedures

Jun 09, 2026 | 3 minute read

Philips VeriSight Pro 3D intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) technology was recently featured on the BBC's flagship technology program, Tech Now, highlighting how advanced imaging is helping physicians perform complex heart procedures with greater precision and less invasiveness.

Filmed at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, the segment follows a structural heart procedure guided by real-time 3D imaging from inside the heart. Reporter Adrienne Murphy visits one of the world's leading cardiac centers to see how image-guided therapy is transforming treatment for patients with structural heart disease.

At the center of the story is Philips VeriSight Pro 3D ICE, a miniature ultrasound probe mounted on the tip of a catheter. Inserted through a vein and guided into the heart, it provides live three-dimensional images that help physicians visualize anatomy, valves and treatment devices in real time. Unlike traditional approaches that often require a larger ultrasound probe inserted through the patient's esophagus under general anaesthesia, VeriSight Pro delivers detailed imaging directly from within the heart itself.

"Structural heart procedures are among the most demanding interventions in medicine, requiring physicians to navigate devices through a constantly moving heart while making millimeter-precise decisions in real time. Advanced imaging technologies such as VeriSight Pro help clinicians see more clearly, navigate more confidently, and bring minimally invasive treatment options to more patients," explains Dr. Atul Gupta, Chief Medical Officer, Diagnosis & Treatment at Philips.

The procedure was performed by Professor Dr. Ole De Backer, interventional cardiologist at Rigshospitalet, who explained the value of the additional imaging. "We want to have a perfect result with complete closure, no leakage. That's what we can obtain with this additional imaging."

One moment particularly stood out to Murphy while observing the procedure. "They were actually talking to the patient. He was awake during the whole procedure, and I found that really incredible."

For people living in the UK or using a VPN, the full BBC Tech Now segment can be viewed on the BBC website and via BBC iPlayer.

We asked Dr. Atul Gupta for some additional perspective on the importance of 3D Intracardiac Echocardiography for patients and their physicians.

What is 3D ICE and why is it important?
"3D intracardiac echocardiography, or 3D ICE, is revolutionary as we have miniaturized a large ultrasound probe to fit on the tip of a 9 millimeter catheter. Meaning it can now be threaded through the body into the heart without open surgery. It allows physicians to see cardiac anatomy and devices in real time from within the heart itself. For structural heart procedures, that level of visualization can make a tremendous difference in precision and confidence."

How does it improve the patient experience?
"Traditionally, many structural heart procedures required a larger ultrasound probe to be passed down the patient's esophagus, often under general anaesthesia. By bringing the imaging directly into the heart, 3D ICE can help simplify procedures, reduce invasiveness and, in many cases, allow patients to remain awake throughout treatment."

How does 3D ICE fit into the future of structural heart care?
"Structural heart disease (SHD) is growing rapidly. In Europe alone it is estimated that 14 million people live with cardiac valvular disease. And as our population ages, it is estimated it will double in the next 15 years. Historically the only treatment had been open heart surgery or simply living with the disease. In fact only 1% of people with tricuspid disease, just one type of SHD, have obtained treatment giving it the name "the forgotten valve."

"Fortunately a revolution in minimally invasive image-guided therapy is now allowing physicians to treat SHD - perform procedures like mitral and tricuspid repair, and left atrial appendage occlusion, through incisions just a few millimeters in size. This means faster procedures, potentially no general anesthesia, and quicker recovery."

"At the same time, we need to treat more patients with greater efficiency and consistency. Technologies such as VeriSight Pro 3D ICE, coupled with advanced image guidance with Philips Azurion and even AI are helping physicians see more clearly and navigate more confidently. This is helping democratize care and expand access to minimally invasive therapies, helping improving outcomes for patients around the world."

Watch video of Philips VeriSight Pro 3D ICE on Instagram

You can also learn more about Philips VeriSight Pro 3D ICE on our Instagram page, where one of our experts explains its features and benefits.

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