Philips launches new Bridge Plus Occlusion Balloon to help manage rare but life-threatening SVC tears during lead extraction

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG) on April 23, 2026 launched the Bridge Plus Occlusion Balloon to help electrophysiology teams manage rare superior vena cava (SVC) tears during transvenous lead extraction.

Rhea-AI Summary

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG) on April 23, 2026 launched the Bridge Plus Occlusion Balloon to help electrophysiology teams manage rare superior vena cava (SVC) tears during transvenous lead extraction. Bridge Plus deploys in under two minutes, can reduce blood loss by up to 90%, and maintains hemostasis for at least 30 minutes. The device builds on Bridge technology used in more than 50,000 U.S. procedures and is commercially available in the United States; broader international availability is expected later in 2026, pending registrations.

Positive

• Deployment under two minutes (average 58.33 seconds in test)
• Up to 90% reduction in blood loss reported in animal model
• Maintains hemostasis for at least 30 minutes
• Now commercially available in the United States

Negative

• International availability pending country registrations (expected later in 2026)
• Key effectiveness claim based on an animal model, not exclusively human trials
• Deployment timing evidence from small sample (n=6) tests

Argus Apr 23 session

-2.16% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – PHG

On Apr 23, the day this news came out, PHG closed 2.16% below the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Apr 23 session.

Key Figures

SVC tear incidence: <0.5% of lead extraction procedures Deployment time: Under two minutes Blood loss reduction: Up to 90% blood loss stopped +5 more

SVC tear incidence

<0.5% of lead extraction procedures

Frequency of superior vena cava tears during TLE [1]

Deployment time

Under two minutes

Bridge Plus balloon deployment time [2]

Blood loss reduction

Up to 90% blood loss stopped

Reduction in blood loss with balloon deployment [3]

Hemostasis duration

30 minutes of hemostasis

Time Bridge Plus helps maintain hemostasis [4]

Procedures using prior tech

More than 50,000 procedures

Bridge Occlusion Balloon use in U.S. procedures [5,*]

Survival improvement (lower)

56.9% survival

Survival rate without staged occlusion balloon [6,7]

Survival improvement (higher)

88.2% survival

Survival rate when occlusion balloon staged and available [6,7]

Anatomy coverage

Covers 90% of population

Bridge Plus balloon coverage of SVC length and diameter [9]

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Apr 22

5 events

1. Apr 22

   CT platform clearance

   24h Move

   -0.8%

   FDA 510(k) clearance for Rembra CT/RT platform enabling faster CT imaging.

2. Apr 16

   AI CT clearance

   24h Move

   -1.6%

   FDA 510(k) clearance for AI-powered Philips Spectral CT Verida system.

3. Apr 02

   Governance/leadership

   24h Move

   -0.7%

   Philips Chief Medical Officer appointed to MDIC Board of Directors.

4. Mar 26

   Cardiology AI clearance

   24h Move

   -1.1%

   FDA 510(k) clearance for EchoNavigator R5.0 with AI DeviceGuide for M-TEER.

5. Mar 25

   Cardiology product launch

   24h Move

   +2.7%

   Launch of IntraSight Plus interventional cardiology platform with FDA and CE marks.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

superior vena cava (svc), transvenous lead extraction, cardiac implantable electronic devices (cieds), occlusion balloon, +4 more

8 terms

superior vena cava (svc) medical

"bleeding during superior vena cava (SVC) tears in transvenous lead extraction"

A major vein that carries blood from the head, neck and arms back to the heart, the superior vena cava acts like a main highway returning traffic to the city center. It matters to investors because diseases, blockages or medical procedures involving this vessel can drive demand for drugs, devices, surgical techniques and diagnostic tests, influence clinical trial design and regulatory review, and affect market size, reimbursement and company valuations.

transvenous lead extraction medical

"life-threatening superior vena cava (SVC) tears in transvenous lead extraction (TLE) procedures"

Transvenous lead extraction is a medical procedure to remove the thin wires that connect implanted heart devices (pacemakers or defibrillators) to the heart by pulling them out through a vein, often using specialized tools in a hospital setting. Investors should care because the frequency, safety and cost of these procedures affect device manufacturers, hospitals and insurers through product liability, recall risk, regulatory scrutiny and reimbursement trends—think of it like removing a tangled electrical wire from inside a wall: necessary but potentially costly and risky.

cardiac implantable electronic devices (cieds) medical

"remove leads from cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), such as pacemakers"

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are medical gadgets placed inside the body to monitor and help control heart rhythm, such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and loop recorders. Think of them as internal guardians that detect abnormal heartbeats and either correct them or record data for doctors. Investors watch CIEDs because their sales, regulatory approvals, product reliability and recalls directly affect healthcare company revenues, margins and legal risks.

occlusion balloon medical

"Compliant endovascular balloon reduces the lethality of superior vena cava tears"

A small inflatable device used during certain medical procedures to temporarily block or control blood flow inside a vessel, much like a drain stopper halts water in a pipe. For investors, its use matters because it can reduce procedural risk, affect clinical outcomes and procedure times, and influence demand for related devices and reimbursement decisions—factors that shape market size, regulatory scrutiny, and a company’s revenue potential.

hemostasis medical

"helping stabilize patients with 30 minutes of hemostasis [4]Bridge Plus was built"

Hemostasis is the body’s process for stopping bleeding, using a coordinated set of responses that form clots and seal damaged vessels—think of it as the body's natural emergency patch and repair crew. It matters to investors because drugs, medical devices, and diagnostics that influence hemostasis can affect patient outcomes, regulatory approval paths, and market demand for treatments of bleeding disorders or clot-related conditions, so advances or safety issues can materially impact company value.

fluoroscopy medical

"ability to deploy Bridge Plus if fluoroscopy is no longer available"

Fluoroscopy is a medical imaging method that creates live X‑ray “video” of the inside of the body, allowing doctors to watch organs, bones, and instruments move during procedures, like viewing a real‑time map while driving. Investors care because fluoroscopy drives demand for imaging equipment, disposable supplies and procedure-related services, influences regulatory approvals and reimbursement rates, and affects clinical adoption that can shape revenues and costs in healthcare companies.

radiopaque markers medical

"low-pressure, compliant occlusion balloon with radiopaque markers designed for accurate placement"

Radiopaque markers are small, dense components added to medical devices or implants so they show up clearly on X‑rays, CT scans, or fluoroscopy, like putting reflective tape on a bicycle so it can be seen in low light. For investors, they matter because visible markers improve how safely and accurately a device can be placed and monitored, influence regulatory approval and clinical adoption, and can affect manufacturing complexity and product value.

510(k) clearance regulatory

"Philips receives FDA 510(k) clearance for its Rembra platform"

A 510(k) clearance is a U.S. regulatory approval that lets a medical device be sold because it is shown to be substantially similar to an already-legal device; think of it as a passport saying the new product is close enough to a known item to enter the market without a full, lengthy review. For investors, 510(k) clearance signals faster, lower-cost market access and reduced regulatory risk compared with new, untested device pathways, which can materially affect timelines, costs and revenue prospects.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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April 23, 2026  

• Bridge Plus was designed for rare, life-threatening emergencies to help control bleeding during superior vena cava (SVC) tears, which occur in <0.5% of lead extraction procedures [1] but require immediate intervention
• Bridge Plus allows for rapid response when every second counts by deploying in under two minutes [2] and stopping up to 90% blood loss [3], helping stabilize patients with 30 minutes of hemostasis [4]
• Bridge Plus was built upon proven Bridge Occlusion Balloon technology, used in more than 50,000 U.S. procedures [5,*], with evidence showing improved survival when staged in advance [6,**]

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, announced the launch of the next-generation Bridge Plus Occlusion Balloon, designed to help electrophysiology teams rapidly control bleeding and stabilize patients during rare but life-threatening superior vena cava (SVC) tears in transvenous lead extraction (TLE) procedures. Building on technology used in more than 50,000 procedures [5*], Bridge Plus enables electrophysiology teams to respond in minutes – helping stabilize patients and buy critical time for surgical repair [2-4].

Lead extraction procedures are commonly performed to remove leads from cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), such as pacemakers or defibrillators, due to damaged, infected or malfunctioning leads. While there is evidence of lead extraction’s safe use [7,8], SVC tears, occurring in fewer than 0.5% of cases [1], can quickly become fatal without immediate intervention.

Bridge Plus is designed to provide temporary vessel occlusion, helping reduce blood loss, maintain hemostasis, and stabilize patients during emergencies. The balloon can deploy in less than two minutes [2], stop up to 90% blood loss [3], and maintain acceptable hemostasis for at least 30 minutes [4]. This provides physicians with critical time to stabilize patients and prepare for surgical repair.

“Ensuring procedural safety is a top priority for electrophysiology teams,” said Stacy Beske, Business Leader, Image-Guided Therapy Devices at Philips. “Bridge Plus builds on established technology to help physicians prepare for rare SVC tears and respond quickly with the control needed to stabilize patients and transition to surgery.”

Clinical evidence highlights the importance of being prepared for this emergency scenario, with studies showing that survival rates in SVC tear events improved from 56.9% to 88.2% when an occlusion balloon was staged and available during procedures [6, 7].

“Although superior vena cava tears are rare, they represent one of the most critical emergencies that can occur during lead extraction,” said Dr. Thomas Callahan, an electrophysiologist at Cleveland Clinic who studied the technology***. “Having an occlusion balloon staged and ready can significantly improve response time when every second matters. This technology may help teams prepare for these rare but serious events and support safer lead extraction procedures.”

Prophylactic balloon set up brings additional benefits during TLE procedures, including individualized balloon staging for each patient, and the ability to deploy Bridge Plus if fluoroscopy is no longer available.

Bridge Plus is a low-pressure, compliant occlusion balloon with radiopaque markers designed for accurate placement and compatibility with a wide range of patient anatomies [9]. The device expands Philips’ portfolio of lead management solutions supporting safe and effective extraction procedures.

The Bridge Plus Occlusion Balloon is now commercially available in the United States, with international availability expected later in 2026, pending country registrations. The solution will also be showcased at Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) 2026, taking place April 24-26 in Chicago, IL.

For more information, visit the Philips Bridge Plus Occlusion Balloon product page.

*Cases performed in United States since Bridge launch in 2016. 
** When staging the Bridge Balloon versus when no Bridge balloon is used.
*** Dr. Callahan discloses consulting payments from Philips North America LLC for training and education services.

[1] Azarrafiy, Ryan et al. “Endovascular Occlusion Balloon for Treatment of Superior Vena Cava Tears During Transvenous Lead Extraction: A Multiyear Analysis and an Update to Best Practice Protocol.” Circulation. Arrhythmia and electrophysiology vol. 12,8 (2019): e007266. doi:10.1161/CIRCEP.119.007266.
[2] Document on file D002023609_A_Bridge M&M Marketing Claims Test Report. Average timed deployment for commercial Bridge was 74.33 seconds (n=6) and Bridge Plus was 58.33 seconds (n=6).
[3] Document on File, D027561 Marketing claims blood loss report for Bridge project 1338 - When deployed, the Bridge Occlusion Balloon reduces blood loss of an SVC tear by 89.7% (α=0.10), on average, in an animal model.
[4] Document on file, D026197 & animal study - NGX028-IS17 - All animals had biological metrics measured for up to 45 minutes during occlusion and 15 minutes post device deployment.
[5] Document on file. LT-002760 Bridge Sales Customers Raw Data.
[6] Bruce L. Wilkoff, MD, FHRS, Roger G. Carrillo, MD, MBA, FHRS, Ryan Azarrafiy, BA, Darren C. Tsang, BS, Thomas A. Boyle, BS. Compliant endovascular balloon reduces the lethality of superior vena cava tears during transvenous lead extractions.
[7] Wazni 0, Epstein LM, Carrillo RG, et al. Lead extraction in the contemporary setting: the LExlCon study: an observational retrospective study of consecutive laser lead extractions. J Am Coll cardiol. 2010;55(6):579-586.
[8] Bongiorni MG, Kennergren C, Butter C, et al. The European Lead Extraction ConTRolled (ELECTRa) study: a European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) registry of transvenous lead extraction outcomes. Eur Heart J. 2017;38(40):2995-3005.
[9] Document on file, D026203 Engineering Translation Rationale For Bridge, Project #1338 – PR00. The balloon will cover the length and diameter of the SVC in 90% of the population as determined by analysis of 52 patients.

For further information, please contact:
Joost Maltha
Philips Global External Relations
Tel.: +31 610 558 116
E-mail: joost.maltha@philips.com

About Royal Philips 

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips’ patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2025 sales of EUR 18 billion and employs approximately 64,800 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Attachments

• Clinical illustration of the Philips Bridge Plus balloon in use
• The Philips Bridge Plus Balloon, uninflated prior to use
• The inflated Philips Bridge Plus Balloon

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What is Bridge Plus Occlusion Balloon (PHG) and what does it do?

Bridge Plus is an occlusion balloon designed to temporarily block the superior vena cava to control bleeding. According to the company, it deploys in under two minutes and supports hemostasis to stabilize patients for surgical repair.

How fast does the Bridge Plus balloon deploy during an SVC tear?

Bridge Plus deploys in under two minutes on average, enabling rapid response during emergencies. According to the company, average timed deployment measured 58.33 seconds for Bridge Plus in test samples.

What evidence supports Bridge Plus reducing blood loss in SVC tears?

Philips reports up to a 90% reduction in blood loss in an animal model. According to the company, the 89.7% figure comes from controlled animal testing rather than human randomized trials.

Is Bridge Plus available now for hospitals and physicians?

Bridge Plus is commercially available in the United States as of April 23, 2026. According to the company, wider international availability is expected later in 2026, pending country-level registrations.

Does clinical data show improved survival when an occlusion balloon is staged?

Published analyses link staged occlusion balloon use to higher survival in SVC tear events. According to the company, survival improved from 56.9% to 88.2% when a balloon was staged and available.