Healthcare Industry News:  Biosense Webster 

Devices Cardiology

 News Release - January 16, 2007

Philips and Biosense Webster collaborate to improve diagnosis and care of irregular heartbeats

ANDOVER, Mass. & DIAMOND BAR, Calif.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHI) and Biosense Webster, Inc. announced today that they have signed an agreement to co-develop integrated products that will simplify complex procedures to diagnose and treat irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias.

This strategic alliance will enable the creation of an interface that connects Biosense Webster's CARTO(TM) Mapping and Navigation System with Philips' integrated Allura Xper electrophysiology (EP) Lab System, as well as with Philips' Xcelera Cardiovascular Information Solution. The interface between the CARTO(TM) System and Allura Xper Integrated EP Lab can help reduce the amount of time required to setup and perform complex electrophysiology (EP) ablation procedures, which are designed to restore normal heart rhythms. The joint development program will also help by creating easier storage and retrieval of imaging data, allowing physicians to review and report from a single system.

"The agreement with Biosense Webster is an important next step for Philips' dedicated EP business program. We are committed to improving the lab environment, enabling new, more complex procedures, and integrating the EP workflow process across the complete patient care cycle," said Ronald Tabaksblat, vice president, electrophysiology, for Philips Medical Systems. "Philips' relationship with Biosense Webster demonstrates our strategy of collaborating with best-in-class companies to develop comprehensive EP product offerings. It promotes our vision of leading the EP market through better, simpler treatment solutions."

"This agreement underscores Biosense Webster's commitment to empower electrophysiologists and foster health in patients around the world who suffer from irregular heartbeats," said Roy Tanaka, president, Biosense Webster. "By integrating our systems with Philips', we will further improve the quality of care that EP labs provide."

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 126,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of $37.7 billion (EUR 30.4 billion) in 2005, 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.

About Biosense Webster

Biosense Webster Inc., a Johnson & Johnson Company, pioneered electrophysiology diagnostic catheters more than 30 years ago and continues to lead the industry as an innovative provider of advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and mapping tools. As the leader in navigation systems, Biosense Webster's technology also includes the largest installed base of navigation systems worldwide. With proprietary products such as the CARTOMERGE(TM) Image Integration Software Module, the THERMOCOOLŽ Irrigated Tip Catheter and the LASSOŽ Circular Variable Mapping Catheter, the company is changing the way electrophysiologists diagnose and treat arrhythmias.


Source: Philips Medical Systems

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