CPAP Home Care System
• Mallinckrodt Inc, St Louis, introduces the GoodKnight® 418G continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system that is designed for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. This home care system is compact and connects to a mask that patients wear while sleeping. Air pressure generated by the system prevents air passages from being obstructed, which ensures that patient breathing is uninterrupted during the night. The system also has an adjustable ramp feature that allows patients to begin the sleep cycle with only slight air pressure that increases as they move more deeply into sleep. Additional features include a 16-character LCD, a multiple power supply for overseas travel, and a direct DC input to work when connected to a 24V DC battery. (800) 635-5267; www.mallinckrodt.com.
Suction Unit
• Precision Medical Inc, Northampton, Pa, introduces the Easy Go Vac, an AC/DC portable suction unit that utilizes any standard canister and incorporates many safety features including double overflow protection and a low-battery light; it can be recharged in its own carrying case. (800) 272-7285.
Pillow for OSA
• LifeSleep Systems Inc, South San Francisco, offers the PillowPositive™, a new, patented cervical pillow that has been proven by clinical studies to reduce the severity of sleep disordered breathing in patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Similar to the technique used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, PillowPositive works by raising the chin slightly upward and tilting the forehead back. This encourages an open airway when patients are lying on their back. In June 1999, the Food and Drug Administration determined that PillowPositive could be marketed to reduce the symptoms of mild OSA. (877) SLEEP-11; www.lifesleep.com.
Pulse Oximeter
• SIMS BCI Inc, Waukesha, Wis, offers the MiniCorr, a Hand-Held Pulse Oximeter that provides SpO2 and pulse rate monitoring on patients from neonate to adult. The device is battery or AC powered and has adjustable alarm limits, and visible and audible alarm signals. The MiniCorr incorporates the patented Serial Autocorrelation (SAC) Technology used in the company’s Autocorr™ Pulse Oximeter, which enhances the ability to detect pulse readings in all environments. The MiniCorr is adaptable to home, sleep, and clinical environments. (800) 558-2345; www.sims-bci.com.
Proficiency Test
• Accutest Proficiency Testing Services, Westford, Mass, offers PT STAT™, a proficiency test (PT) program designed for laboratories that measure critical care analytes. PT STAT delivers PT results within 48 hours, enabling participants to identify and correct analytical problems, validate the effectiveness of daily QC programs, and utilize PT results to positively influence patient outcomes. PT STAT provides external peer group comparisons three times per year and offers a nationwide database that includes more than 600 blood gas instruments. Tests offered include pH, blood gases, electrolytes, critical blood metabolites, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin fractions. (800) 356-6788; www.accutest.org.
Information Management System
• AVL Medical Instruments, Roswell, Ga, offers the DataCare™ Critical Care Information Management System that provides point-of-care (POC) connectivity and data management functionality for blood glucose instrumentation. DataCare is compatible with all POC blood glucose testing instruments, regardless of manufacturer, provided the instrumentation has a method for connectivity. Hospital laboratory managers can oversee one data management system for near patient blood gas, electrolyte, and glucose testing. DataCare provides connectivity with blood glucose instruments via different methods including Ethernet network, radio frequency, infrared, and serial connectivity. (800) 421-4646; www.avlmed.com.
Reference Manual
• DHD Healthcare, Canastota, NY, offers a reference manual detailing therapy options for secretion clearance and atelectasis. Designed to assist respiratory professionals in making well-informed therapy decisions, the manual compares TheraPEP®, a positive expiratory pressure therapy system, to cardiopulmonary therapy and alternative therapies. The reference manual includes information on the American Association for Respiratory Care Clinical Practice Guidelines, a review of current methods of airway clearance, reprints of research papers about secretion clearance, and TheraPEP protocols and insurance reimbursement forms. (800) 847-8000; www.dhd.com.
Diagnostic Monitoring Software
• AVL Medical Instruments, Roswell, Ga, offers the OMNI-Link™ remote control and diagnostic monitoring software that allows professionals in laboratories, respiratory therapy departments, point-of-care venues, and administration to monitor instrument status, initiate instrument functions, and perform trouble-shooting routines from a remote location. The OMNI-Link software is easy to operate and features large, easy-to-read graphics, and on-board instructions. The software was designed to complement AVL’s DataCare™ Critical Care Information Management System. (800) 421-4646; www.avlmed.com.
Regulator
• Western Medica, Westlake, Ohio, introduces its OP Compact Click-Style Regulator (model number OPA-830) that is designed for dealers affected by the changes in health care reimbursement. The regulator measures 41/2-inches in length and features a lightweight aluminum body and an all-brass high-pressure chamber. The regulator offers flow settings in 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 LPM, and the click-in flow control is easy to use for patients with limited dexterity. The regulator is also filtered throughout to trap foreign matter and extend regulator life; it has a 11/2-inch-diameter pressure gauge and hose barb outlet, and 20-psi delivery pressure. (800) 783-7890; www.westernmedica.com.
CPAP Device
• Sunrise Medical, Longmont, Colo, introduces the DeVilbiss Horizon LT continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) unit. The device features an on-board compliance meter that can record up to 6 months of daily usage data in graphic or numeric print form. The information can be downloaded directly to a CPAP software package, allowing the health care provider to quickly identify noncompliant patients. The DeVilbiss Horizon LT offers a 3-20 cm H2O operating pressure range, can be set up in minutes, and is quiet. (303) 218-4600; www.sunrisemedical.com
Pulse Oximeter/CO2 Detector
• Nonin Medical Inc, Plymouth, Minn, introduces the 9840 Series Pulse Oximeter and CO2 Detector. The 9840 Series combines pulse oximetry technology with CO2 detection to eliminate the need for two devices. In addition to pulse rate and oxygen saturation, the 9840 provides an indication of approximate changes in level of exhaled CO2 for verification of endotracheal tube placement. Its functions can be used simultaneously or independently and are compatible with Nonin’s full line of pulse oximeter sensors and proprietary mainstream CO2 sensor. The handheld monitor is designed specifically for short-term monitoring and is ideal for patient transport and emergency applications. Three models are available with optional audible and visual alarms. (800) 356-8874; www.nonin.com.
Ventilator Monitoring System
• Mallinckrodt Inc, St Louis, introduces the VentNet™, a new system that monitors the alarm conditions and ventilator settings of Puritan-Bennett® 7200®ae Series ventilators from a remote location. VentNet can monitor the alarms and ventilator settings of up to 16 ventilators simultaneously from the PC-based central system. VentNet monitors the status of each ventilator and maintains a central settings log that is updated whenever a ventilator setting is changed at the bedside. The VentNet also maintains an alarm log that tracks alarm response times. (800) 635-5267; www.mallinckrodt.com
