"HeartStart MRx has reduced D2B times, as previously we would have to obtain the 12-lead ECG inside the hospital and wait for a decision on next treatment steps," said Daniel Wintrow, captain and paramedic with the Glendale Fire Department. "Now, our paramedics are able to send digital quality 12-lead ECG data to the hospital while in transit, which can dramatically cut down on time and help physicians make decisions about appropriate care before arrival."

"With this new capability, we can mobilize resources quickly, better manage and activate the cath lab, and get interventionalists to the hospital for timely and expedited care," said Dr. Marc Kates, cardiologist, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Ariz. "By carefully planning and implementing well defined processes and taking advantage of new technologies, our hospital has experienced reductions in D2B times. We are currently right around the recommended 90 minute guideline, and have seen as much as 44 minute reductions versus our previous averages."


As a patient moves through the continuum of cardiac care and receives care in the ambulance, emergency department, diagnostic imaging center, cath lab, operating room and/or critical care ward, Philips helps to manage the flow of patient information, making it available when and where it is needed to empower providers to offer better, faster care. Philips is uniquely positioned to help customers in each of these settings, as well as the home.

Cardiology Informatics offerings

Last week, DOTmed News reported that Philips will acquire TOMCAT Systems Ltd. (www.dotmed.com/news/story/5681) based in Northern Ireland. TOMCAT offers a software solution that is able to aggregate, from various sources, data relative to the cardiac care of a patient and presents this in a comprehensive patient-centric view for doctors and nurses. This equips caregivers with a strong tool to help monitor progression of treatment, enable better informed decision making and manage patient care.

"Philips recognizes the challenges healthcare providers face in cardiology, and we believe that while diseases may be complex, using advanced technologies to assist in diagnosing, treating and managing cardiac patients should not be difficult," said Joris van den Hurk, vice president of Cardiology care cycles, Philips Healthcare. "Philips' solutions are designed to simplify cardiac care. Our cutting-edge imaging and information management tools, which can provide fast, non-invasive, 3D views of the heart, help clinicians better evaluate patients, while Philips' home healthcare systems help monitor patients with chronic heart disease after hospital discharge, enabling greater independence and convenience."

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