Philips Launches Bridge Plus for Critical Cardiac Safety

Amsterdam, Netherlands – April 23, 2026

Philips announced the launch of its next-generation Bridge Plus Occlusion Balloon, a life-saving medical device designed to rapidly control bleeding during rare but life-threatening superior vena cava (SVC) tears that can occur during transvenous lead extraction procedures. The innovation represents a significant advancement in cardiac procedural safety, enabling clinicians to respond within minutes and stabilize patients in emergency scenarios, reinforcing Philips’ leadership in image-guided therapy and interventional cardiology solutions.

Rapid Emergency Response Technology Enhances Patient Survival

The Bridge Plus Occlusion Balloon has been specifically engineered to address SVC tears, a rare complication occurring in less than 0.5% of lead extraction procedures, but one that can quickly become fatal without immediate intervention. The device is capable of deploying in under two minutes and reducing up to 90% of blood loss, providing critical hemostasis for up to 30 minutes, allowing physicians sufficient time to stabilize patients and prepare for surgical repair.

This rapid-response capability is crucial in high-risk electrophysiology procedures, where every second can determine patient outcomes. By offering a temporary vessel occlusion solution, Bridge Plus ensures that clinicians can act swiftly and effectively in emergency situations, significantly improving survival chances.

Clinical evidence further supports the importance of preparedness, showing that survival rates improve dramatically—from 56.9% to 88.2%—when an occlusion balloon is staged and available during procedures, underscoring the life-saving potential of this technology.

Advanced Design Builds on Proven Clinical Technology

Bridge Plus builds upon Philips’ established Bridge Occlusion Balloon platform, which has already been used in more than 50,000 procedures across the United States, demonstrating strong clinical adoption and reliability. The new generation introduces enhanced performance, faster deployment, and improved compatibility with diverse patient anatomies, making it a versatile and effective tool for electrophysiology teams.

The device features a low-pressure, compliant balloon design with radiopaque markers, enabling precise placement and improved visualization during procedures. Additionally, it supports individualized balloon staging, allowing clinicians to prepare proactively for potential complications.

Importantly, the device can be deployed even when fluoroscopy is unavailable, further increasing its usability in emergency settings. This combination of speed, precision, and adaptability positions Bridge Plus as a critical advancement in interventional cardiology safety protocols.

Expanding MedTech Innovation in Cardiac Care

The launch of Bridge Plus reflects the growing focus on enhancing procedural safety and reducing complications in cardiac interventions, particularly as the number of patients requiring implantable cardiac devices continues to rise globally. Transvenous lead extraction procedures are increasingly common due to device infections, malfunctions, or upgrades, making the need for reliable emergency solutions more urgent than ever.

By integrating innovative device engineering with clinical insights, Philips is advancing the standard of care in electrophysiology. The Bridge Plus Occlusion Balloon not only improves clinical outcomes and patient safety, but also supports healthcare providers in managing complex, high-risk procedures with greater confidence and efficiency.

The device is now commercially available in the United States, with plans for international expansion later in 2026 pending regulatory approvals. It will also be showcased at leading industry events, highlighting its role in shaping the future of image-guided therapy and cardiac intervention technologies.

Source: Philips press release