Philips introduces imaging tool for complex cardiac arrhythmias
7 February 2007 Andover, Mass., USA. Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE:
PHG; AEX: PHI) has released the Philips EP navigator, an imaging tool to aid
the treatment of complex cardiac rhythm disorders.
The EP Navigator combines pre–interventional 3D CT images of a patients’
cardiac anatomy with live X-ray fluoroscopy catheter position information in
a single image. This allows physicians to navigate more easily through the
heart during complex procedures and enables them to work with greater
confidence, in a more intuitive way. Cardiac arrhythmia can drastically
reduce the quality of a patient’s life, and can also lead to serious health
risks, including heart failure or stroke. These disorders are being
diagnosed in increasing numbers throughout the world. For example, Atrial
fibrillation (AF), a specific type of heart rhythm disorder characterized by
irregular, rapid beating of the atrial chambers, is found in about 2.2
million Americans and 4.5 million Europeans. Dr. Michael Orlov at Caritas
St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, and the first
clinical user of this new product, said: “EP navigator allows me to
instantly confirm the position of all catheters with respect to the
patient’s anatomy, in real-time, on a single image. It helped us to confirm
difficult anatomy on several occasions when fluoroscopy and
electro-anatomical mapping were ambiguous. Image registration is
user-friendly and allows for easy adjustments when necessary. In complex
ablation procedures, it is important to maintain good contact between the
ablation catheter and the left atrial wall. EP navigator is an easy to use
tool to visualize catheter position and help maintain this contact. The use
of the tool will likely allow us to perform procedures with more confidence
and efficiency.”
“We listen carefully to our electrophysiology customers, because we are
determined to improve the EP lab and simplify the working environment by
integrating information across the EP care cycle and helping clinicians
develop new, less complex treatments,” said Ronald Tabaksblat, vice
president, electrophysiology for Philips Medical Systems.
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