Philips Healthcare and the Burlington, Mass.-based medical device company Infraredx Inc. are teaming up to bring a more advanced imaging system into the catheterization lab.

The product development partnership, which was announced Tuesday, will integrate Infraredx's true vessel characterization imaging system with Philips' Allura Xper cath lab imaging systems.

"Our goal is to offer physicians easier access to the TVC imaging system's near-infrared spectroscopy and intravascular ultrasound technology, for use in determining the true extent of cardiovascular disease, especially the presence of lipid core plaques," Don Southard, president and chief executive officer of Infraredx, said in a statement released by Infraredx and Philips.
LCPs are fatty, cholesterol filled plaques known to complicate stenting and angioplasty. They are also believed to be the cause of most heart attacks. According to Southard, the TVC imaging system is the only device cleared by the FDA for the detection of LCPs.

Both companies said the integrated system will give doctors tableside control of the TVC imaging system in the lab while allowing images to be viewed on the Philips cath lab monitors to improve workflow efficiency and provide quicker retrieval and review of information.

This product remains under development and the companies have not yet announced when it will be released for commercial sale.

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