Infraredx and Philips Join Imaging Capabilities

Infraredx Inc. and Royal Philips Electronics are integrating Infraredx’s true vessel characterization (TVC) Imaging System with Philips’ Allura Xper catheterization laboratory (cath lab) imaging systems. The collaboration is designed to provide seamless access to the TVC Imaging System with Philips’ Allura X-ray systems.

“Philips is … pleased to partner with them [Infraredx] on developing this integrated solution,” said Don Southard, president and CEO of Infraredx. “Our goal is to offer physicians easier access to the TVC Imaging System’s near-infrared spectroscopy and intravascular ultrasound technology for use in determining the true extent of cardiovascular disease, especially the presence of lipid core plaques (LCPs). The TVC Imaging System is experiencing accelerated adoption in the U.S. and Europe. We believe this growth is the result of clinical evidence around the role of LCP and continuous system enhancements.”

The joint product development project is intended to provide physicians with tableside control of the TVC imaging system from within the sterile cath lab environment using Allura’s table-mounted Xper module. The TVC composite image can be viewed on the Philips’ cath lab monitors, enabling physicians to view the chemogram and intravascular ultrasound images alongside the coronary angiogram. This will allow for better visualization of LCPs in a patient’s coronary artery, the companies claim. The automatic sharing and integration of patient demographics and imaging study information between the Allura system and the TVC system is intended to improve workflow efficiency and provide quicker data retrieval and review.

“We strive to offer advanced clinical applications that enable interventional procedures to be performed more effectively,” said Bert van Meurs, senior vice president and general manager of Interventional X-ray, Philips Healthcare. “The collaboration with Infraredx supports our commitment to continuously improve the integrated functioning of our cath labs and further enhance the user experience.”

The TVC Imaging System is an intravascular imaging system, designed to help interventional cardiologists identify which patients are prone to complications during stenting. The device reportedly assesses both the degree of stenosis and the presence and extent of LCPs. TVC combines intravascular ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy, and its readings are provided in real time. It is is the only device available in both the United States and Europe for the detection of LCPs.

Based in Burlington, Mass., Infraredx produces technology for the diagnosis and management of coronary artery and other vascular diseases.

Headquartered in The Netherlands, Royal Philips Electronics’ Healthcare division focuses on cardiac care, acute care, and home healthcare.

Photo of TVC Imaging System courtesy of Infraredx Inc.