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.

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