Image Source: Philips Healthcare

Royal Philips Electronics has acquired Traxtal, a Toronto-based developer of minimally invasive instruments and software for image-guided intervention and therapy. The terms of the transaction were undisclosed.

The comapny said that Traxtal's navigation solution functions as a GPS for medical instruments, designed to make interventional radiology procedures more accurate, while aiming to reduce contrast, radiation dose and interventional time.

Philips already provides solutions that enable the opening of obstructed arteries under x-ray guidance, according to Steve Rusckowski, CEO of Philips Healthcare. The acquisition of Traxtal, with its technologies in image-based navigation, opens up opportunities for further minimally invasive intervention and therapy solutions in combination with Philips' diagnostic and imaging products in ultrasound, CT and MRI, he explained.

In particular, Philips said the acquisition expands its portfolio in the field radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors, since Traxtal's PercuNav system guides and monitors the positioning of the ablation needle toward the center of the lesion.

Since 2006, the companies have been in a partnership to provide integrated soft tissue therapeutic and diagnostic navigation solutions. Traxtal was founded in 1996, and currently has 45 employees.