Philips has agreed to acquire SpectraWAVE, a company that develops advanced tools to diagnose and guide the treatment of coronary artery disease. The companies announced the agreement on Monday, although they did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
Expanding Capabilities in Intravascular Imaging
SpectraWAVE designs intravascular imaging systems for coronary arteries. Headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, the company also offers an AI-enabled solution that calculates fractional flow reserve (FFR) from a single coronary angiogram, thereby supporting more informed clinical decision-making during interventions.
Strategic Focus on Image-Guided Therapy
With this acquisition, Philips expects to significantly expand its portfolio of intravascular imaging and physiological assessment devices. Commenting on the development, Philips CEO Roy Jakobs said the company is “doubling down on image-guided therapy” and strengthening its coronary intervention offerings through the planned purchase.
Addressing a Global Burden of Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease remains one of the most prevalent cardiovascular conditions worldwide, affecting more than 300 million people. The disease occurs when plaque buildup causes narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart.
Improving Outcomes in Coronary Interventions
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a widely used, minimally invasive treatment for coronary artery disease. According to Philips and SpectraWAVE, growing evidence shows that intravascular imaging and physiological assessment technologies significantly improve patient outcomes during PCI procedures.
Complementing Philips’ Existing Solutions
As reported by medtechdive, Philips currently offers the Azurion image-guided therapy platform for interventional cardiology and other procedures. By integrating SpectraWAVE’s dual-modality imaging system, Philips aims to provide physicians with enhanced visualization tools. In addition, SpectraWAVE’s AI-based FFR solution is expected to complement Philips’ pressure guidewire technologies.
About SpectraWAVE and Deal Timeline
Founded in 2017, SpectraWAVE employs more than 70 people. While the companies confirmed the acquisition agreement, they have not yet disclosed the expected timeline for the deal’s completion.