Royal Philips has agreed to acquire SpectraWAVE, a Massachusetts-based medtech company focused on developing state-of-the-art coronary artery disease (CAD) intravascular imaging and fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment technology. Financial terms of the acquisition have not been made public at this time.
SpectraWAVE has gained considerable momentum in recent years, planting its flag in two of cardiology’s biggest trends: artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced coronary imaging. With this acquisition, Philips continues to increase its presence in the cardiovascular imaging space.
SpectraWAVE was co-founded by cardiologists in 2017 and has more than 70 employees. Its biggest success to date is the HyperVue Imaging System, an AI-enabled intravascular imaging platform that includes both optical coherence tomography and near-infrared spectroscopy capabilities to visualize both the anatomy and chemical makeup of coronary plaques. HyperVue assists interventional cardiologists during percutaneous coronary imaging (PCI) procedures, capturing detailed images of the coronary arteries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the HyperVue Imaging System in 2023. SpectraWAVE also raised $50 million in 2024 to help fine-tune and increase patient access to the technology. Johnson and Johnson was among the companies that invested during that funding round.
In addition, SpectraWAVE received FDA clearance for its X1-FFR software in October, providing clinicians with an add-on for the HyperVue Imaging System that delivers real-time FFR results.
The HyperVue system uses both DeepOCT and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging to help guide stent placement during interventional cardiology procedures.
“Physiology is essential for PCI outcomes, and replacing invasive pressure wires with noninvasive angiogram-derived physiology is better and safer for our patients,” Michael C. Kim, MD, director of the cardiac cath labs at Lenox Hill Hospital and director of interventional cardiology in the Western Region of Northwell Health, said at the time.
According to Philips, combining its own Eagle Eye Platinum digital intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and IntraSight offerings with the HyperVue Imaging System will give interventional cardiologists more options when seeing patients in the cath lab.
“With today’s announcement we continue to expand the role of minimally invasive image guided therapy procedures, which are associated with better patient outcomes and improved cost-effectiveness,” Bert van Meurs, chief business leader of image-guided therapy at Philips, said in a statement announcing the news. “The acquisition of SpectraWAVE’s next-generation technologies for coronary intravascular imaging and physiological assessment mark a significant step in expanding our portfolio with breakthrough, AI-powered technologies that help clinicians decide, guide, treat and confirm treatment in one setting.”
“Philips shares our deep conviction that the convergence of intravascular imaging, coronary physiology and AI can fundamentally improve how every patient with coronary disease is treated,” added Eman Namati, PhD, CEO of SpectraWAVE. “This partnership allows us to integrate and scale HyperVue and X1-FFR into the world’s leading image-guided therapy ecosystem, expanding choice for clinicians and supporting more consistent, high-quality care for the millions of patients who depend on coronary intervention each year.”
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.
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Philips to acquire AI-enabled intravascular imaging specialists SpectraWAVE – Cardiovascular Business
