West Berlin, N.J. - EP MedSystems (NASDAQ: EPMD) and Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) have announced the new ViewMateTMII ultrasound system based on Philips Medical Systems' HD11 XE platform for use with EPMD's ViewFlexTMintracardiac (ICE) imaging catheters. As part of this joint development and distribution agreement, Philips will also offer an ICE option to its customers on the HD11 XE ultrasound system. The new system offers healthcare providers high performance ultrasound imaging modes, simplicity of operation, and a price point that allows easy adoption and expansion of ICE imaging in both advanced electrophysiology (EP) and interventional cath (IC) lab procedures.

The ViewMate II system will be distributed by EP MedSystems through its dedicated sales and clinical education staff to cardiac cath and EP lab customers in the U.S. Philips will offer the ICE option for echocardiography customers who desire ICE capabilities. A single model of ViewFlex catheter operates with both systems allowing each company to meet the growing demand for better visualization of intracardiac anatomy during complex intracardiac procedures in their targeted customer base.

David Bruce, EP MedSystems' president and CEO stated, "Combining Philips' exceptional ultrasound imaging capabilities with EP MedSystems' focus on EP and interventional catheter procedures has produced a unique offering: high performance ICE imaging for intracardiac procedures that also addresses the strong cost containment pressures in cardiac care."
The HD11 XE platform provides excellent imaging resolution to visualize intracardiac anatomy and devices, plus sensitivity color flow and Doppler to assess cardiac physiologic performance. Its intuitive user interface makes it easier for the cath lab staff to learn the system - an important feature when introducing ICE imaging into the cath lab. Transesophageal imaging (TEE), intraoperative capabilities and stress echo can also be added to the system.

ICE imaging has been shown to reduce procedure time and X-ray exposure in procedures such as transseptal catheterization, complex arrhythmia ablation and guidance of septal defect closures. Additionally clinicians should find this ICE system a useful tool in cardiac synchrony assessment and therapy, and for emerging transcatheter cardiac valve treatments.

"This collaboration of technologies from the leaders in cardiac ultrasound and EP products has the potential to broaden the services a hospital can offer patients and increase the value of their investment in their ultrasound system," said Barbara Franciose, CEO, ultrasound and monitoring for Philips Medical Systems.

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