August 31, 2018 — Philips announced it has acquired Xhale Assurance Inc., a U.S.-based scale-up company developing and commercializing next-generation sensor technologies. Xhale Assurance’s disposable pulse oximetry sensor is placed on the wing (ala) of the nose, and can reliably measure and transmit a patient’s heart rate and blood oxygenation under low-perfusion conditions that are challenging for conventional fingertip pulse oximetry sensors. Philips said this technology will broaden and differentiate its existing portfolio of oxygen saturation monitoring solutions and allow the company to expand into a currently underserved clinical segment. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Xhale Assurance’s alar sensor allows accurate measurement at lower oxygen saturation levels, which is essential for patients who have suffered a heart attack or a hypoxic event. As such, the sensor enhances patient safety by overcoming the shortcomings of existing oxygen saturation sensors, and can provide caregivers with early warning signals of impending adverse events.
Philips’ patient monitoring portfolio addresses all acuity levels and care settings within hospitals and health systems, and supports a broad patient population – from basic screening to complex surveillance in critical care. It includes bedside and wearable patient monitors, consumables such as connected wearable biosensors, and clinical decision support tools and mobile applications for real-time clinical information at the patient’s bedside.
For more information: www.usa.philips.com/healthcare
March 04, 2026 
