LG Electronics is broadening its focus in the healthcare sector, moving beyond its traditional role as a consumer electronics manufacturer. During an interview at the Radiological Society of North America conference in Chicago, national sales leader for LG’s medical division, Jim Salamon, highlighted the company’s commitment to developing comprehensive clinical solutions.
While LG has made a name for itself in the display technology market, it is also innovating products that enhance the overall clinical workflow. This includes lightweight laptops designed for mobile radiologists and nursing station units. Salamon emphasized that LG’s innovation is driven by specific clinical needs, particularly in surgical environments where image quality is paramount.
In response to clinicians’ demands for clearer visuals, LG has progressed from HD to 4K and is now integrating mini-LED technology into its displays. The company is extending its gamma and color ranges to create more lifelike images, which are crucial for accurate diagnoses. Salamon explained that clinicians require higher resolution images and colors that closely resemble what the human eye perceives within the body.
As more radiologists seek flexibility in their work environments, LG is adapting accordingly. Salamon noted, “Radiologists want to be multi-tasked. They want to read for one hospital and another hospital, and some of those hospitals don’t have the same PACS systems.” In response, LG has developed workstations that allow multiple systems to be accessed through a single diagnostic display. This design promotes both mobility and remote reading capabilities, accommodating the evolving needs of healthcare professionals.
LG’s competitive edge in the expanding digital health market lies in its cost efficiency and integration capabilities. The company manufactures its own panels, enabling cost savings for hospitals that Salamon estimates to be between 20-30% lower than those of competitors. This is particularly significant as large healthcare systems often need to replace multiple workstations on a rotating schedule.
Furthermore, LG’s products are designed to be IT-agnostic, facilitating integration with existing systems rather than imposing proprietary requirements. Salamon stated that the company is actively exploring new technologies to keep pace with the changing demands of clinicians. Among the innovations in development are curved display monitors and advanced 3D imaging tools, which aim to enhance diagnostic precision.
While the impact of these innovations on daily clinical practice and patient care remains to be fully assessed, Salamon and his team at LG are committed to listening to clinicians and rapidly adapting their offerings based on feedback. This approach is seen as essential for crafting technology that truly meets the needs of healthcare providers. As LG continues to navigate this new territory, the focus remains on creating solutions that enhance both operational efficiency and patient outcomes.