Philips backing efforts to reduce CIED infections

Royal Philips (NYSE:PHG) announced today that it supports the American Heart Association’s efforts to reduce CIED infections.

Amsterdam-based Philips offered its support to the initiative to generate awareness among cross-disciplinary specialties and improve survival rates from CIED (cardiovascular implantable electronic device) infections.

The company said in a news release that, with its support, the American Heart Association’s national CIED infection initiative will work with medical professionals to prevent and properly treat infections resulting from CIEDs, including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization devices.

“We are pleased to receive the support of Philips on this important effort to raise awareness for CIED infection care, reduce mortality rates among patients and improve guideline-driven care of people living with CIED devices,” American Heart Association SVP of Quality, Outcomes Research & Analytics Michele Bolles said in the release. “We know that patient outcomes improve when guideline-directed care is consistently provided. These efforts amplify the mission of the American Heart Association to help every person have the opportunity for a longer, healthier life.”

According to a news release, 1 million CIEDs are implanted worldwide each year, with one in 20 CIED implant recipients developing a CIED infection within three years. Philips said healthcare professionals lack awareness and experience in CIED infection management, increasing the chances of missed infection diagnoses and prolonged, inappropriate treatment.

“By supporting the American Heart Association, we have a significant opportunity to improve care for a large group of cardiovascular patients,” Philips SVP & GM of Image-Guided Therapy Devices Chris Landon said. “At Philips, we want to support medical professionals and their efforts to follow guideline-directed care and decrease the complications and negative outcomes that too often follow CIED infections.”