EASI™ 12-Lead System

In 2000, as part of its commitment to delivering innovation and choice, Philips (formerly Agilent and Hewlett Packard) acquired Zymed, the company that broke new ground with its EASI 12-Lead System. The revolutionary EASI system uses an advanced algorithm to derive 12-lead ECG data using five electrodes, instead of the conventional ten. The science behind the EASI 12-lead system and its embedded algorithm is based on the work of Dr. Gordon Dower, a world-renowned expert in electrocardiography, vectorcardiography and polar cardiography.

Because EASI requires fewer electrodes, it is easier for clinicians to use, offers greater patient comfort, provides increased reproducibility and reduced signal noise, and enables continuous 12-lead ECG monitoring across the care continuum. With EASI, clinicians now have a convenient and highly effective alternative for gathering more ECG data on monitoring and ambulatory patients than ever before.

Philips is committed to the development and ongoing enhancement of state-of-the-art ECG algorithms such as EASI. To this end, in late 2000, Philips established the Advanced Algorithm Research Center (AARC). A Philips-sponsored professional organization, the AARC is devoted to advanced research and development in all areas of ECG analysis, including diagnostic electrocardiography, arrhythmia analysis, stress testing, patient monitoring and resuscitation.

The innovative EASI 12-Lead algorithm is used to derive full 12-lead ECG data (as a standard or optional feature) in the following Philips products: