Philips continues to expand into healthcare IT through acquisitions. Source: Philips Healthcare

Royal Philips Electronics will acquire TOMCAT Systems, a developer of cardio-vascular information systems (CVIS) that collect and aggregate data relative to the cardiac care of patients to give a patient-centric presentation of data to care givers such as doctors and nurses.

While the terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2008, upon which the Belfast, Northern Ireland-based TOMCAT will become part of the Healthcare Informatics business group within Philips.

Through the acquisition, Philips said it will expand the use of healthcare IT, specifically in its cardiology business to improve patient outcomes and help hospitals work more efficiently, the company said.

TOMCAT’s software connects with different clinical information systems, like cath lab workflow management systems and PACS. It can connect to Philips' Xcelera and Philips Xper Information Management, and also with systems from other vendors. The company’s software also provides scheduling, staff and resource management, cost capturing, and the generation of reports and statistical information, thereby supporting the management of a cardiovascular service line, Philips said.