Andover, Mass. - Philips Medical Systems, a division of Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG; AEX; PHI), showcased its comprehensive cardiology solutions focused on advanced diagnostic technologies, strengthened by best-in-class information management capabilities, at the annual American College of Cardiology (ACC) meeting in Atlanta. With 70 million Americans afflicted with cardiac disease, Philips cardiology solutions aim to create an efficient environment where vital patient data is easily shared and viewed across the healthcare system, while software technologies better equip physicians with key visualizations and the tools needed to more effectively plan and treat patients.

"Continuously improving cardiac patient care by pushing the advancements of diagnostic imaging technology is only half the challenge," said Brent Shafer, CEO, North America for Philips Medical Systems. "The other half of the challenge is allowing physicians to manage all that clinical data. Critical to improving patient care is the ability to view patients' diagnostic images anywhere at any time, sharing patient data for additional consults and linking that data with patients' health records."

Strengthening the Portfolio Through Best-in-Class Acquisitions

Last week, Philips announced it will acquire Witt Biomedical Corporation, the largest independent supplier of hemodynamic monitoring and clinical reporting systems used in cardiology catheterization laboratories (Cath Labs). With the growing digitization of hospitals, cardiologists are increasingly demanding that Cath Labs be fully integrated into a hospital's IT infrastructure. Witt Biomedical is one of the leading suppliers of hemodynamic monitoring and clinical reporting systems, and its systems hold top rankings from healthcare IT vendor reviewers MD Buyline and KLAS.

Through this acquisition, customers will benefit from an integrated suite of best-in-class technologies for the Cath Lab. Based on company estimates in 2005 Philips held the number one position in cardiovascular x-ray. In hemodynamic monitoring and clinical reporting systems, Witt Biomedical was the largest independent supplier in the United States in 2005, and was the number two supplier in the global market.

Innovative Technology Advancements to Simplify and Enhance Patient Focus

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Leading Philips new diagnostic imaging offerings at ACC is the PET/CT Viewer for the Extended Brilliance Workspace (EBW). The Philips EBW with PET/CT Viewer provides PET, CT and PET/CT review, display and analysis in a single, integrated user environment. The PET/CT Viewer is adaptable to the workflow needs of physicians and substantially improves workflow and efficiency for routine clinical review, while allowing more time to focus on patient care. In addition, physicians have access to the full suite of cardiac PET and CT applications, including Emory Cardiac Toolbox, Heart Fusion, and Comprehensive Cardiac Analysis. These quantitative applications provide myocardial perfusion and viability analysis as well as CTA and PET myocardial image fusion for multi-modality assessment of the heart.

Magnetic Resonance (MR)

Philips MR will showcase for the first time k-t BLAST (k-space time Broad-use Linear Acquisition Speed-up Technique), a tool designed to significantly increase the speed of cardiac MR making it up to five times faster than current methods. As the fastest technology in the industry, k-t BLAST enables cine cardiac MR, the ability to view a sequence of cardiac images in a movie format, in single breath hold while still maintaining quality images. Philips k-t BLAST not only meets the needs of physicians by providing faster, higher quality cardiac MR, but makes the process more comfortable for patients who are unable to participate in multiple breath holds or endure longer scan times.

In addition, Philips 4D-TRAK MR Angiography (4D Time-Resolved Angiography using Keyhole) enables MR angiography up to 60 times faster for patients with suspected vascular disease. As the fastest 4D MRA in the industry, this system allows for high spatial resolution inflow studies at high frame rates, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and efficient clinical routine use of cardiac MR.

Patient Monitoring

Also being shown at ACC is the new Philips Spirometry Module for continuous respiratory mechanics measurement. Continuous Spirometry has numerous clinical applications both in the operating room and intensive care units; such as its ability to help physicians accurately detect heart disorders, and monitor effects of therapy as well as respiratory status changes. Philips Spirometry provides continuous evaluation of the lung using Philips IntelliVue patient monitor displays and can increase patient safety through improved ventilation management by reducing ventilator-associated complications and reducing patient ventilation dependence.

Healthcare Informatics

Philips Healthcare Informatics group will highlight two new components of the Xcelera Cardiology Information Solutions portfolio that deliver simple tools to access, share and discuss clinical solutions. First, the upgraded Philips Xcelera Cath Lab Management module features productivity tools such as procedure logging and clinical documentation support to enable fast report generation via point-and-click pick lists. The enhancements help create smooth integration between Xcelera Cath Lab Management and hemodynamic monitoring systems for clinical data exchange, improving workflow and user interaction between the two systems.

Additionally, a new version of Philips Xcelera WebForum allows physicians to view images and echocardiography reports via the Internet--be it in the ICU, exam room, their office or even on a home computer. Helping improve workflow and care, Xcelera WebForum provides a tool for physicians to distribute vital multi-modality images across their healthcare enterprise. Patients will now have their diagnostic scans more accessible at different stops along the care cycle, which could translate into quicker, more informed care and treatment.

Ultrasound

Philips Ultrasound showcased the latest version of the iE33 echocardiography system that is driving fundamental changes in the management of heart failure patients. The iE33 is the first ultrasound system to provide cardiologists with accurate and reproducible EF (ejection fraction) readings and measure the wall motion and synchronicity of 17 different segments of the heart. The latest Vision 2005 enhancements, being shown at ACC, feature improved pediatric cardiology functionality, including a new pediatric Multiplane TEE (transesophageal echo) transducer; enhanced vascular capabilities; and new 3D synchronicity indices that help physicians determine which patients will best benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Cardiac CT Training Provides Education, Integration and Increased Workflow

Philips Cardiac CTA training is currently available through various leading centers around the world. For more information, training site listings and details check online at www.theonlinelearningcenter.com.

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of $37.7 billion (EUR 30.4 billion) in 2005. With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology and 159,200 employees in more than 60 countries, it has market leadership positions in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon system solutions. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.