Philips to Acquire SpectraWAVE, Expanding AI-Driven Coronary Imaging and Physiology Portfolio

Royal Philips has announced its agreement to acquire SpectraWAVE, a Massachusetts-based company specializing in advanced intravascular imaging and AI-powered physiological assessment tools for coronary interventions. The move strengthens Philips’ position in the coronary care space by bringing together the imaging and AI technologies of both organizations under Philips’ image-guided therapy platform, Azurion.

SpectraWAVE’s technologies are designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease, which affects more than 300 million people globally. Its HyperVue Imaging System integrates next-generation optical coherence tomography (DeepOCT) with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to create detailed images of coronary artery structure and composition during minimally invasive procedures. HyperVue offers fast setup and automated AI-driven image analysis and is intended to complement Philips’ existing IVUS and physiology tools such as Eagle Eye Platinum and IntraSight.

SpectraWAVE’s X1-FFR tool is another key asset in the acquisition. It uses AI to estimate fractional flow reserve (FFR) from standard angiograms without the need for invasive pressure wires, turning routine imaging into functional data. Philips plans to integrate this with its OmniWire iFR technology to offer clinicians a more comprehensive, wire-free approach to physiologic guidance.

Philips CEO Roy Jakobs said the acquisition reflects a deepened commitment to innovation in image-guided therapy. “We are doubling down on image-guided therapy and expanding our portfolio in the coronary intervention segment with the addition of SpectraWAVE’s AI-powered innovations in high-definition intravascular imaging and angio-based physiological assessment, enabling us to deliver better care for more people.”

SpectraWAVE was founded in 2017 and currently employs over 70 people. CEO Eman Namati, PhD, sees the partnership as a major opportunity to scale the company’s technologies. “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. This partnership allows us to integrate and scale HyperVue and X1-FFR into the world’s leading image-guided therapy ecosystem.”

The acquisition supports Philips’ broader strategy of advancing minimally invasive, image-guided procedures across cardiovascular care. According to Bert van Meurs, Chief Business Leader of Image Guided Therapy, the deal represents a step forward in unifying decision-making, treatment, and confirmation into a single session. “The acquisition of SpectraWAVE’s next-generation technologies for coronary intravascular imaging and physiological assessment marks a significant step in expanding our portfolio with breakthrough, AI-powered technologies that help clinicians decide, guide, treat and confirm treatment in one setting.”

Azurion, Philips’ integrated platform for interventional procedures, is already used in over 80 countries to treat more than 7.6 million patients annually. By integrating SpectraWAVE’s tools, Philips aims to expand clinician choice while offering faster, more personalized, and data-rich guidance during percutaneous coronary interventions.

The transaction is expected to strengthen Philips’ leadership in coronary care and support a growing clinical focus on combining imaging, physiology and AI for improved patient outcomes.