Philips Sets A New Standard With The First-of-its-kind Technology To Improve Detection And Identification Of Heart Disease

Main Category: Heart Disease
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 12 Nov 2008 - 9:00 PST

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Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) unveiled a new cardiograph technology that helps improve detection and identification of problems in the heart, including specific coronary artery obstructions, damaged heart muscle and abnormal rhythms. On display at the American Heart Association's (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2008, the new Philips PageWriter TC70 cardiograph, featuring Philips' unique DXL16-Lead ECG Algorithm, may help clinicians deliver faster diagnosis and treatment during heart attacks, while also supporting door-to-balloon and hospital quality initiatives.

"Philips is committed to simplifying cardiac care with advanced technology to help clinicians improve diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients-whether they are receiving care in the hospital or at home," said Joris van den Hurk, vice president of cardiology programs for Philips Healthcare. "Enabling faster diagnosis aids in identifying and triaging patients that require urgent care, supporting hospital staff when time is critical for patient therapy."

Leveraging additional leads for enhanced diagnostic insight

While limb and chest leads have been traditional components of the 12-lead ECG, it has long been recognized that additional electrodes can provide information that is poorly or not seen at all on a traditional 12-lead ECG. The standard 12-lead ECG has a blind spot on the right side of the patient's chest that limits the ability to detect right ventricular myocardial infarction (MI). Philips' new DXL Algorithm technology addresses this issue by using electrodes placed on the right side to provide incremental capabilities not available with previous analysis programs.

"We're using right chest and posterior leads and see true patient benefits by diagnosing a hidden MI that we may not have picked up with a 12-lead ECG," said Debbie Heinecke, RN, manager of Non-Invasive Cardiology at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill., an early user of the new technology.



According to the AHA, one in three female adults in the U.S. has some form of cardiovascular disease and all cardiovascular diseases combined claim the lives of more than 400,000 American women annually-greater than all forms of cancer combined. Women often present cardiac symptoms differently from men and have a higher mortality rate from cardiovascular disease.

Confirming Philips' commitment to develop technologies and solutions for women's health, the DXL Algorithm applies new gender, age and lead-specific STEMI (ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) criteria to detect acute MI in women as well as men. A widespread pattern of ST depression often reflects global ischemia due to left main coronary obstruction, multi-vessel obstructions, or microvascular disease, which is more prevalent in women. The DXL Algorithm incorporates new criteria for these conditions and provides a Critical Value of "Global Ischemia" to highlight that prompt intervention may be needed. The new algorithm also builds upon Philips' long use of gender and age-specific criteria left ventricular hypertrophy and prolonged QT interval.

New Philips PageWriter TC70 Cardiograph provides innovative platform for new DXL Algorithm

Unveiled at this year's AHA, the PageWriter TC70 cardiograph not only incorporates the new DXL Algorithm, but also improves workflow and enables faster clinical decision making. ECG reports are quickly taken and transferred to the TraceMasterVue ECG management system with the click of a single button. Bedside decision making is enhanced with the automatic retrieval of the previous ECG, allowing for immediate clinical serial comparison.

The new PageWriter TC70 includes technologies that are especially useful in the Emergency Department, where ECG reports can highlight test results that may warrant immediate clinical attention. When used with the DXL 16-Lead Algorithm, the PageWriter TC70 provides a powerful tool to reduce a hospital's door-to-balloon times.

Improved technology for STEMI diagnosis and management

There is increasing interest within the Emergency Department to manage STEMI often seen in the early stages of a heart attack. Incorporating new criteria based on recent scientific discoveries, the Philips DXL Algorithm's STEMI-CA criteria examine the lead distribution of ST elevation to determine the artery that is most likely to harbor an obstruction (the culprit artery). Patented ST Maps which show the spatial orientation of STEMI provide an easier perception of the ischemic areas. Using these data, clinicians can quickly decide on the next appropriate management steps for the patient. Advanced DXL Algorithm available in other Philips products

In addition to being available within the PageWriter TC70 cardiograph, the DXL Algorithm will also be integrated into additional Philips solutions to help to improve diagnosis in the hospital and in the field.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 128,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of $42 billion (EUR 27 billion) in 2007, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.

Royal Philips Electronics