Andover, Mass. - At the annual American College of Cardiology (ACC) meeting, Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHI) showcased its new portfolio of advanced solutions designed to save time in the overall treatment of heart disease patients, as well as the critical first moments of care for heart attack patients. Integrating patient medical information across hospital care areas-from the ambulance to the emergency room, imaging, catheterization (cath) lab and critical care unit-these solutions seek to accelerate diagnosis and treatment and provide enhanced patient comfort and safety.

Throughout this week's meeting in New Orleans, Philips and its customers will present several research papers that continue to shape the cardiovascular community. In addition, new solutions introduced at the show include:

o HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillator, helps hospitals realize the industry's recommended 90-minute "door-to-balloon" protocol;
o Xper Information Management, a new cath lab workflow solution that speeds and simplifies reporting, scheduling, inventory and data management for cardiovascular professionals;

o Philips Step & Shoot Cardiac application to the Brilliance CT 64-channel scanner that reduces radiation exposure for patients while not compromising image quality; and

o Philips Ambient Experience Cath Lab, providing an innovative, comforting and calming atmosphere for patient and staff during stressful interventional procedures.

"These time-saving solutions aim to unite all corners of the hospital and offer healthcare providers unique views of the cardiac patient that span the continuum of care," said Steve Rusckowski, chief executive officer for Philips Medical Systems. "From Xper Information Management to the dynamic Step & Shoot Cardiac application, Philips is providing clarity and enhancing the way clinicians view and treat the heart. With Philips' unique Motiva and Lifeline remote monitoring solutions, our systems address the needs of the entire cardiac patient care cycle-spanning both hospital and home. The range of innovations on display at this year's meeting further extends Philips leadership in the cardiology segment, while improving overall patient care."

Discovery to Balloon - Speeding Time to Treatment for Heart Attack Patients

Every minute counts for a heart attack patient. The current recommended "door to balloon" protocol-referring to time from patient's hospital arrival to balloon catheter inflation within the patient's blocked artery-is 90 minutes. From discovery-starting with the paramedic-and continuing to and through the hospital, Philips now uniquely offers a complete continuum of care for cardiac patients.

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