Philips (NYSE: PHG) has reached a major global milestone with the installation of its 5,000th Zenition mobile C-arm system at Kolín Regional Hospital in the Czech Republic — underscoring the company’s continued leadership in image-guided therapy and its long-standing commitment to surgical innovation.
The achievement comes as Philips celebrates 70 years since launching its first mobile C-arm in 1955, marking seven decades of continuous advancement in surgical imaging technology. Introduced in 2019, the Zenition platform has since become one of the world’s most widely used mobile C-arm systems, with deployments in over 170 countries and an estimated 15 million patient procedures each year.
The Zenition line was developed to meet the needs of modern operating rooms, where hospitals face growing pressure from staff shortages, time constraints, and cost optimization. Designed for efficiency, reliability, and adaptability, Zenition delivers high-quality imaging that supports a broad range of surgical and interventional procedures — from orthopedics and trauma to vascular and cardiac surgeries.
At Kolín Regional Hospital, the 5,000th installation marks a proud moment for both Philips and the clinical teams using the technology. “Designed as an intuitive, impressively fast motorized C-arm, the Zenition efficiently delivers state-of-the-art image quality,” said Filip Neumann, Head of the Endoscopy Department at Kolín Regional Hospital. “The tableside operator and touchscreen module provide motion and image control directly at the table, giving operators greater flexibility and independence.”
Zenition’s success lies in its integration of user-centric design and advanced imaging software. Among its hallmark technologies are:
BodySmart software, which automatically optimizes contrast and brightness for consistent image quality across diverse body types.
Position Memory, a feature that allows operators to save and restore frequently used positions — reducing repositioning time by up to 45% and streamlining workflow in busy operating rooms.
Compact design and motorized movement, enabling smoother navigation in tight OR spaces while maintaining precise alignment during complex procedures.
These features reflect Philips’ broader approach to empowering surgical teams with systems that combine clinical precision and operational efficiency. The Zenition’s modular architecture also allows hospitals to upgrade existing systems as new capabilities are released, extending the product’s life cycle and ensuring long-term value.
“Reaching 5,000 Zenition installations worldwide is a testament to the trust clinicians place in our solutions to deliver high-quality care,” said Mark Stoffels, Global Business Leader for Image-Guided Therapy Systems at Philips. “It also demonstrates how hospitals across the world are adopting advanced imaging technologies that simplify complex workflows while maintaining accuracy and safety.”
Philips reports that Zenition systems are now widely used in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and emerging markets, cementing its global reputation for delivering flexible, upgradable imaging systems suited to different surgical environments and clinical needs.
The 5,000th global installation of the Philips Zenition mobile C-arm system not only celebrates a technological milestone but also highlights the company’s enduring influence in shaping the future of image-guided therapy. For Philips, this achievement represents both a continuation of its 70-year legacy in surgical imaging and a reaffirmation of its strategy to drive smarter, more connected, and patient-centric innovations in operating rooms around the world.
A legacy of innovation in surgical imaging
Philips’ journey in mobile C-arm development began in 1955, when it introduced its first portable X-ray fluoroscopy system. That early innovation revolutionized surgical visualization, allowing physicians to capture live, moving images during operations. Over the decades, Philips continually evolved this technology, integrating digital imaging, radiation dose reduction, and intelligent automation to improve accuracy and patient safety.
The Zenition platform, launched in 2019, represents the culmination of this expertise — merging high-definition imaging with intuitive workflow design. By focusing on ease of use, scalability, and data integration, Zenition bridges the gap between traditional radiography and the dynamic requirements of today’s hybrid operating rooms. It empowers surgeons and interventionalists to perform complex procedures with greater speed, precision, and confidence.
Rohit Sathe, Global Business Leader for Mobile Surgery at Philips, emphasized how this milestone reflects decades of refinement and a forward-looking vision. “This milestone reflects both our rich 70-year heritage in surgical imaging and our continued commitment to helping healthcare providers overcome today’s challenges of staff shortages, efficiency pressures, and rising costs – so that more patients everywhere can benefit from safe, effective surgical care.”
Meeting modern healthcare challenges
With operating rooms facing increasing pressure to optimize workflows and manage rising procedural volumes, Philips has designed Zenition as an adaptable system that enhances collaboration and efficiency. The motorized C-arm’s one-touch positioning, integrated touchscreen control, and table-side operation enable clinicians to move seamlessly between imaging and intervention without disrupting the surgical flow.
These features not only simplify procedures but also help reduce the cognitive and physical workload of surgical staff — a key advantage amid global healthcare workforce shortages. By minimizing repositioning and calibration times, Zenition allows hospitals to increase procedural throughput without compromising image quality or safety standards.
Philips’ design philosophy also extends to sustainability and longevity. Zenition’s modular platform allows hospitals to upgrade software and hardware components over time, ensuring compatibility with future imaging technologies and minimizing waste. This long-term upgradability helps healthcare providers protect their investment while continuously benefiting from Philips’ technological advancements.
Strengthening global trust and adoption
The system’s widespread use in more than 170 countries demonstrates its adaptability across diverse healthcare settings. In Europe, Zenition systems have become mainstays in orthopedic and trauma surgery. In North America and Asia, they are increasingly used in hybrid operating rooms for vascular, spinal, and urological procedures. Emerging markets, meanwhile, value Zenition’s reliability and ease of use in environments with limited technical infrastructure.
“Clinicians worldwide depend on Zenition for its consistency, reliability, and efficiency,” said Mark Stoffels, Global Business Leader for Image-Guided Therapy Systems at Philips. “Reaching this milestone underscores our mission to make image-guided surgery more accessible and intuitive for care teams everywhere.”
The milestone also arrives as Philips strengthens its global Image-Guided Therapy portfolio, which includes innovations such as Azurion, its fixed imaging system for complex minimally invasive procedures. Together, Zenition and Azurion represent Philips’ dual focus on mobility and integration — delivering flexibility for community hospitals while offering cutting-edge precision for specialized surgical centers.
Looking ahead
Philips plans to continue evolving the Zenition line to meet the growing demand for digitally connected, AI-assisted surgical systems. Future iterations are expected to integrate real-time analytics, cloud connectivity, and AI-powered imaging enhancements, further unifying diagnostic and interventional workflows. These advancements aim to support hospitals in improving both clinical outcomes and operational efficiency, helping clinicians deliver consistent, high-quality care regardless of location or scale.
As the company celebrates its 70-year legacy in surgical imaging, Philips’ 5,000th Zenition installation stands as a powerful reminder of how innovation, when guided by clinical collaboration and purpose, can continuously redefine what’s possible in healthcare.
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