The FINANCIAL -- Royal Philips Electronics and the Catharina
Hospital in the Netherlands, a leading interventional cardiology center,
have teamed up to showcase current solutions and future developments
that shape the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of heart
rhythm disorders.
The Catharina Hospital, Philips and other partners are today hosting a symposium in Eindhoven titled Evolution in Healthcare, which will feature presentations from leading experts in the healthcare industry to illustrate the crucial role of innovation in the evolution of healthcare. According to Philips Electronics, at the symposium, innovations in heart rhythm disorder treatment will be discussed as an example of how technological innovation can improve the life of patients and benefit society.
In late 2011, Philips and Catharina Hospital worked together on building a state-of-the-art electrophysiology lab for the treatment of heart rhythm disorders. This partnership was followed by a unique social media initiative in the Netherlands focused on Dutch heart patient Ad Langendonk. Starting on January 10, Mr. Langendonk and his cardiologist, Dr Lukas Dekker, used Twitter before, during and after a minimally-invasive intervention during which catheters were used to remedy Mr. Langendonk’s heart rhythm disorder. The intervention was successfully performed on January 27, allowing Mr. Langendonk to begin the process of regaining his quality of life.
Heart rhythm disorders are caused by disturbed electrical signals that regulate the heart beat and can lead to serious health risks, including heart failure or stroke. Many heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation, can be treated using minimally invasive electrophysiology procedures, carried out in an EP lab. These procedures require advanced image guidance and interventional tools that enable physicians to achieve the optimum clinical outcome, while minimizing adverse events.
In the new EP Lab in the Catharina Hospital, integration of real-time information from various relevant technologies has been realized. Harnessing vital procedural and imaging information from sources such as electrograms, 3D mapping and imaging systems, the lab provides EP team members with the information they need in order to be confident in their decision making. For efficient workflow, the information is presented on one large display that can be controlled from the same keyboard and mouse.
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