The Philips IntelliVue MMS X2 is an enhanced multi-measurement module that can be used with any compatible Philips IntelliVue patient monitor. Once detached from the host monitor, it is an independent, battery-operated transport monitor with its own display, alarm function and the ability to store up to 24 hours of patient information. As soon as it is reconnected to another IntelliVue host monitor, the MMS X2 behaves like a conventional multi-measurement module, with stored patient monitoring data being automatically uploaded into the new monitor without interruption in monitoring. If equipped with wireless networking capability, the MMS X2 can also transmit data directly to an IntelliVue Information Center, allowing clinicians to have access to a complete, continuous record of patient monitoring data wherever the patient may go—from emergency room to operating room to ICU and recovery.

The MMS X2 is available with up to 12-leads of ECG with multi-lead arrhythmia and ST segment analysis, respiration, SpO2 (choice of advanced technologies) and non-invasive blood pressure, plus a choice between invasive blood pressure and temperature, or mainstream and sidestream EtCO2.

"This remarkable product provides the ability to have a dedicated monitor for every patient that comes into an emergency room or other area of the hospital. The patient is able to remain connected to the MMS X2 for the duration of care with no gaps in the monitoring record even when attaching the MMS X2 to a high end IntelliVue or during transport episodes through to discharge and this provides greater continuity of care and more confident assessment of treatment," says David Russell, vice president of global marketing for Patient Monitoring, for Philips Medical Systems.

In addition to the MMS X2, Philips is also introducing the IntelliVue MP2 patient monitor. Based on the same compact design, this new monitor has benefits for users in and outside of the hospital. Small hospitals and surgery centers can benefit from a rugged, compact, full-featured patient monitor that offers clinical decision support tools such as ST Map and Horizon Trends, and the ability to connect to the IntelliVue Clinical Network. These features enable clinicians to assess patient information and make confident care decisions. Users outside of the hospital—including government, law enforcement, civilian applications and disaster relief organizations—have expressed a need for a stand-alone monitor that can capture patients' vital signs while being durable enough to withstand the rigors of use in the field. The MP2, which is light, compact and can run on batteries, also features a highly-configurable display that can be set up to meet these users' individual needs.

"Over the past year, I have been searching for the 'perfect' hemodynamic monitoring system for an alternate care facility that would be established during a pandemic outbreak. The MP2 satisfies all the requirements that I was looking for, particularly the functionality, ease of use and size," says Dr. Tom Blackwell, medical director of pre-hospital medicine at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. "This monitor has the potential to be the gold standard for mass casualty monitoring, and we are proud to be the first to implement its use at Carolinas Medical Center and the Mecklenburg EMS Agency."

"With the introduction of MMS X2 and MP2, issues surrounding patient safety and disaster preparedness are moved to the forefront. Philips has listened and responded to the needs of clinicians and first responders who experience these issues first hand and have said they want a way to more easily track and monitor a patient's vital signs during the complete cycle of care," says Russell.

Both the MP2 and MMS X2 also meet Philips' rigorous environmental standards in manufacturing and use, making them sustainable products. To be considered to be a "Green Flagship", a product must first undergo a divisional EcoDesign procedure. Next, the product is investigated in at least three of the five Green Focal Areas. Based on this analysis, the product must be proven to offer at least 10 percent improved environmental performance in at least one Green Focal Area (weight, hazardous substances, energy, recycling and packaging) compared to a predecessor or competitive product.

Philips exhibited these new patient monitoring solutions at the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) congress in Berlin (October 7-10, 2007) and is also showcasing them at the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) meeting in San Francisco (October 13-17, 2007).

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a global leader in healthcare, lifestyle and technology, delivering products, services and solutions through the brand promise of "sense and simplicity." Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 125,800 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of USD 34 billion (EUR 27 billion) in 2006, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, personal care and home appliances, as well as consumer electronics. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.