Today's operating rooms are crowded with equipment and people, so it's not always easy to see team members and coordinate tasks. The flat detector on the Veradius frees up valuable space during challenging procedures and gives surgeons more space to see their team and the patient. Dr. J. A. van Herwaarden, vascular surgeon and director of the Endovascular Program at UMC Utrecht, is one of the first surgeons to evaluate the Veradius in daily practice: "As the flat detector is less obtrusive, it doesn't block eye contact between members of the operating room team and so improves communication," commented Dr. van Herwaarden. "For example, when finalizing the placing of a stent-graft to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm I often need the anesthetist to stop the patient breathing for between 20 and 30 seconds. Without the bulky image intensifier used in traditional systems blocking my view I can now glance at the anesthetist to stop the breathing and glance at them again to restart it."

Designed in-house by Philips' imaging experts, the new flat detector builds on Philips' long expertise in flat detector technology used in its fixed cardiovascular systems. Early users of the system have reported an overall improvement in image resolution and contrast. The high dynamic range combined with automatic calibration provides high levels of contrast. Unlike traditional image intensifiers, the flat detector is not affected by magnetic and geometric distortions, resulting in consistent edge-to-edge image quality.

The Veradius also helps to reduce the radiation dose received by patients and staff by using a combination of advanced imaging technologies. Philips' unique beam filters reduce patient skin X-ray dose by 40 percent over conventional filters, and the 'pulsed fluoroscopy' mode can reduce X-ray dose by up to 75 percent. The Veradius can be used for a full range of procedures, from orthopedic surgery and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair to coronary angiography and neuro stimulation.

"With the introduction of the Veradius we continue to drive innovation in the surgical suite," said Florian Schneeberger, senior director, Surgery forPhilips Healthcare. "By focusing on simplifying the workflow in the operating room and at the same time improving image quality compared to the traditional systems, we have designed a solution that gives the surgeon more freedom to achieve the best outcome for the patient."

The Veradius with flat detector technology is available for sale in the USA, Europe, Middle East and Australia. Other regions will follow in 2010. Further information can be found at www.philips.com/Veradius.

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.