Cardiovascular diseases are the world's number one killer. Globally, over 17 million people die from such diseases each year, and it's estimated that the number of cardiac patients will increase by 34% over the next four years. For cardiologists, this translates into a growing pressure to treat more patients in less time. Technology is already helping cardiologists to meet this challenge at many stages in the care cycle. But too often new technology means new levels of complexity. At Philips, we believe that technology should integrate seamlessly into the clinician's workflow, and throughout the care cycle. That's why we focus on people. We listen to our customers, and seek to use their insights to build advanced solutions designed around their needs. Here are some examples of how our approach is improving cardiac care:
- In the ambulance
A recent study has shown that one-year mortality rates for acute myocardial infarction (a heart attack) rise with the delay in treatment by primary angioplasty. And because every minute counts, the American College of Cardiologists, in partnership with the American Heart Association and others around the world, has launched the 'Door to Balloon' (D2B) campaign. Its aim: to reduce the elapsed time from the arrival of the victim at the hospital to angioplasty to 90 minutes or less. - With Philips HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillator, a paramedic can connect ECG leads to a patient suffering from myocardial infarction, and then transmit the 12-Lead ECG data to clinicians in the emergency department. On arrival at the hospital, clinicians can use the ECG to begin assessing what treatment the incoming patient will need.
Since the MRx allows a hospital to begin organizing its resources before the patient arrives, it can help dramatically reduce the delay to treatment. - In the Cath Lab
During interventional procedures, the physician needs as much information as possible about the patients physiology. This means that scans from different modalities need to be combined, often requiring trips to different parts of the hospital. By combining modalities in a single device, patients can stay in one place, reducing stress and decreasing delays in operations. With CT TrueView, clinicians can use high-quality CT data in the Cath Lab, providing them with a more accurate view of the patient's anatomy for the treatment planning of invasive procedures. - Non-invasive imaging
X-rays and CT scans are hugely important in enabling physicians to see inside the body, but the nature of the radiation they emit also means there are risks. By tailoring scans to each patient and employing innovative technologies, such as Philips Step & Shoot cardiac acquisition, this risk can be reduced.About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a global leader in healthcare, lifestyle and technology, delivering products, services and solutions through the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 125,800 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of $34 billion (EUR 27 billion) in 2006, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, personal care and home appliances, as well as consumer electronics. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.