If you have a Philips FD 20 Version 7 cath lab in your facility, Philips has likely notified you that the system has reached its "end of support" as of late 2022.
In 2019, the FD 20 version 7 was deemed "end of life", so what's next for end users now that this system has received the double EOL, EOS designation?
Hearing that your system is deemed "end of support" (EOS) can make some alarm bells off, raise questions, and can lead to some big changes for your site. Rest assured, an EOS designation doesn't mean that your cath lab needs to go out the door any time soon, and it doesn't mean that you have to bust your budget on an urgent upgrade.
Knowing the Philips FD 20 Version 7 is deemed EOS, let us give you the scoop on what EOS means for your imaging equipment, why EOS isn't as urgent as it seems, and how an EOS designation can actually be a good thing for your operating budget.
Why is my system declared EOS?
When an OEM declares a system EOS, they're essentially putting a firm end date on their obligation to provide service support for that equipment. This also precludes them from needing to take potentially costly action to bring older equipment into compliance with changing standards.
The biggest reason for EOS declarations though is encouraging customers onto the upgrade pathway to newer products. The upgrade pathway isn't necessarily a bad road to travel. Newer systems often have technology that offers better image quality, more streamlined workflow, and greater patient comfort. The drawback is, of course, that newer systems come with high price tags- something not every facility is ready to handle on short notice.
Why EOS Isn't Usually Urgent
There are two key reasons why an EOS declaration for your system isn't an urgent matter:
1. If you're under an OEM service contract, you're most likely "grandfathered in" and will continue to receive support for the duration of the contract. This time period may be longer for some than others, but you won't be cut off immediately.
2. Once the original manufacturer stops offering maintenance for a system, that doesn't mean that spare parts and servicing are impossible to find. Especially for popular models such as Philips FD 20, there are third-party suppliers, like Block Imaging, who can supply the necessary resources to keep the system running for a long time- sometimes up to a decade or more!
How EOS Can Help You Save
In some cases, an EOS designation could help your budget.
With the OEM out of the picture for service, and intentions to upgrade still a couple of years in the future, you can research independent service options, like Block Imaging, and keep your FD 20 fully covered for 30-40% less than you were spending.
With your FD 20 declared EOS, and some flexibility in your current budget, you decide that now is a good time to upgrade the cath lab at your primary facility. At the same time, you leverage the capabilities of third-party parts and service providers to relocate your FD 20 to an outpatient facility, upgrading from even older equipment in use there, and save yourself 25%-30% vs OEM service pricing.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, does receiving an EOS notice mean that something is going to have to change? Yes. Does it mean that change needs to be costly and/or immediate? No.
In fact, the change might be years in the future and actually save you money in the long run.
Our team works with EOL and EOS systems every day and we're ready with an experienced service team and thousands of parts in stock, ready to be shipped to your site. Have more questions about EOL or EOS? Visit our service page for FAQ's and more resources.
