Philips Healthcare, Infraredx team on product offering for coronary blockage information

Healthcare solutions developer Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG; Andover, MA) and medical device maker Infraredx (Burlington, MA) have unveiled a new software solution that enables access to Infraredx's true vessel characterization (TVC) Imaging System via Philips' Allura Xper catheterization lab imaging systems. The software connects the TVC Imaging System to the Allura Xper system when intravascular imaging is required as part of cardiac catheterization procedures.

The new solution is the result of a joint product development agreement between the two companies in October 2012 that aims to improve the integrated functioning of the catheterization lab with the TVC Imaging System's near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) technologies.

Clinicians can now operate the TVC Imaging System at the x-ray table and view the TVC Composite Image, which shows both NIRS and IVUS images, alongside the coronary angiogram on the Philips catheterization lab monitors. This enables visualization of lipid core-containing plaques (LCPs) in a patient's coronary arteries. LCP is believed to be "vulnerable plaque" that can rupture and form dangerous blood clots leading to coronary heart attacks, and is widely considered to be responsible for a significant number of stenting procedure complications.

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