March 11, 2013 — Philips Healthcare and Infraredx Inc. announced the availability of a new solution that enables seamless access to Infraredx’s true vessel characterization (TVC) Imaging System via Philips’ Allura Xper catheterization (cath) lab imaging systems. The product offering ensures compatibility between the two systems and allows clinicians to quickly and easily connect 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 announced by Infraredx and Philips in October 2012 that aims to improve the integrated functioning of the cath lab with the TVC Imaging System’s near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) technologies. The software application was demonstrated at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2013 annual meeting at the Philips booth.
With the new solution, 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 cath lab monitors. This allows for better 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.
“We are pleased to introduce this new integrated solution for the interventional cardiology community, which enables tableside control of the TVC Imaging System from within the sterile cath lab environment using the Allura Xper system,” said Don Southard, president and chief executive officer of Infraredx. “By providing clinicians with more control over the procedure and accelerated information retrieval, this solution will improve our customers’ clinical workflow and productivity. We look forward to continuing to partner with Philips to develop additional integrated intravascular imaging solutions for customers who desire optimal percutaneous coronary intervention results.”
"The availability of this new software application, which is now available to any Philips customer using the latest generation Allura Xper systems, points to our ongoing commitment to offer the most advanced, state-of-the-art cath lab integration solutions that improve efficiency and patient care," said Ronald Tabaksblat, senior vice president and general manager, interventional X-ray, Philips Healthcare.
For more information: www.infraredx.com, www.philips.com/newscenter