Philips Medical Systems and the National Heart Centre (NHC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last Thursday to upgrade the standard of angiography with a new imaging technology and training.

The collaboration will involve two parts – clinical validation of the new Philip Allura Xper imaging system and training on the use of the equipment for cardiologists from neighbouring countries.

The joint training programme with the NHC forms a strategic part of Philips’ customer education
 programme for its customers in the Asia-Pacific region.

This partnership will provide practical training for cardiologists in a clinical environment and complements a multi-million dollar imaging systems training centre which Philips inaugurated seven months ago in Singapore.

The new imaging system with rotational capabilities enables doctors to have clearer three-dimensional views of blood vessels, and its StentBoost patented software also allows operators to make more accurate diagnoses during stent procedures.

The Allura Xper also creates a true 3D model of coronary arteries and provides better visuals of stents, which are usually hard to see.

Koh Tian Hai, associate professor and medical director, NHC said: “It also lowers radiation levels and minimises patients’ exposure to radiation by 30 per cent. This is especially beneficial to patients with impaired kidneys and those susceptible to high levels of radiation.”

The system costs about $2 million and its angiographic capabilities will be showcased today at the Singapore LIVE conference at Suntec Convention Centre via satellite transmission from the NHC. The medical conference is being attended by more than 1,000 medical professionals from around the region.

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