November 22, 2000 Düsseldorf, Germany. The world's largest medical trade fair, MEDICA, World Forum for Doctors' Surgeries and Hospitals, and ComPaMED, International Trade Fair for Components, Parts, and Raw Materials for Medical Manufacturing opened today. Tens of thousands of attendees from almost 60 countries streamed into the 17 exhibit halls of the Düsseldorf Trade Fair Center to talk business and see the latest products from over 3,500 exhibitors. Products range from lab equipment, electromedicine, orthopedic equipment, and sterilization/infection control to facility management, medical room furnishings, and information technology. Last year's fair drew 122,000 visitors, and this year's MEDICA/ComPaMED will likely draw similar numbers if not more.

We focused, of course, on new products in the field of mechanical ventilation, when we were able to break away from the barrage of free drinks available at virtually each booth. Apparently the international crowd must be quite thirsty, a marked difference from conferences in the US*.

The following report highlights many of the companies introducing new products at this fair. Many companies had products that are not available yet in the US, but several companies were in the process of obtaining FDA approval for their devices. Please check with the manufacturer for such details.

To see larger images than those presented below, please click on a thumbnail image. On to the show!

Blease

Blease's new 8500 anesthesia device includes a new, feature-packed ventilator that is designed to be used both with Blease's and other manufacturers' anesthesia devices. The ventilator has individually-configurable screens and all the modes that comparable ICU ventilators include, such as CMV, SIMV, and PCV, as well as pressure support (PSV). This allows a natural transition between anesthesia and ICU use. For more information, visit their website at http://www.blease.com.

Pictured: Sarah Morton, alongside the 8500.

Dräger Medizintechnik GmbH

The Dräger stand was bustling with activity, and among the products and services displayed was the Evita 4 and Evita 2 dura. The company announced a new software upgrade, version 4.0, which will be available soon that features a non-invasive ventilation (NIV) option for their Evita series ventilators.

eVent Medical Limited

Steve Tunnell, President of eVent Medical Limited, stands next to the new INSPIRATION ventilator that has been available only since September, outside of the US and Japan. According to Mr. Tunnell, the INSPIRATION is user-configurable, has volume and pressure control, CMV, SIMV, spontaneous, and pressure support modes, suitable for non-invasive use, a patented Smart Sigh feature that delivers pressure-based sighs, an internal compressor, a comprehensive set of alarms with an auto-set feature, a 'smart nebulizer' that can be set to deliver medication at a preset time and interval, and a display system that only shows active, relevant parameters for the current mode.

A unique feature is its built-in web server that allows remote monitoring via an intranet or Internet of breath-by-breath data, alarms, and settings through a conventional web browser. The distributor for the INSPIRATION is eMED Limited (http://www.emed-ltd.com). For more information about the INSPIRATION, visit their website at http://www.event-medical.com.

F. Stephan GmbH Medizintechnik GmbH

F. Stephan showcased two neonatal ventilators, Stephanie and Christina. Both are feature-packed ventilators that combine conventional ventilation modes with high-frequency oscillation (HFOV). Stephanie allows several, varied flow and pressure patterns, and includes "negative impedence respiratory assistance," or more commonly known as proportional-assist ventilation. This method permits the reduction of the resistive and elastic work of breathing. With the optional lung function diagnostic mode, Stephanie becomes a compact, multi-function unit to assess lung function of spontaneously breathing patients. Christina and Stephanie have integrated color displays with full monitoring, trend, and alarm packages. To learn more about these and other devices from F. Stephan, visit their website at http://www.stephan-gmbh.com.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare GmbH

Fisher & Paykel featured their new Sterile Water ISAPAK 1000, a water system that complements their unique heated wall tubing. This system is designed to be used up to seven days, as opposed to requiring replacement every 24 hours.

Guido Rayos X, S.A.

Guido Rayos X displayed their line of NestoVent products, from their NestoVent 1 neonatal and infant ventilator to their NestoVent 7 UCI General-Purpose Ventilator. The NestoVent 7 features respiratory mechanics tests such as AutoPEEP, dynamic and static compliance, inspiratory and expiratory resistance, non-forced vital capacity, P0.1, and negative inspiratory force. The pressure or volume controlled NestoVent 7 has a comprehensive set of alarms, pressure, volume, and flow curves and loops, trends, and a high-resolution electroluminescent screen. For more information, write to guidorx@guidorx.com.

Hans Rudolph, Inc.

Kevin Rudolph of Hans Rudolph, Inc. holds their recently introduced silicone, nasal CPAP/Bilevel mask. The company states that the mask is small, lightweight, and has a lower deadspace than other masks designed for this purpose. The new foam Ultimate Seal and the hydrogel Comfort Seal are accessories that attach to the mask. For more information, see their website at http://www.rudolphkc.com.

Pictured: Kevin Rudolph holding the new nasal mask.

Heinen + Löwenstein GmbH

Heinen and Löwenstein announced the upcoming release of the Lifevent, their new intensive care ventilator for neonates. For maximum flexibility, the Lifevent combines convential modes such as IPPV, CPAP, and SMV with HFOV.

Pictured: (L) [L to R] Heribert Susdorf and Ansgar Bilo [the Lifevent designer], with the Lifevent; (R) Lifevent.

Hudson RCI (Germany) GmbH

Hudson RCI debuted the Humid Heat™, the first combination active and passive humidifier. The FDA-approved Humid Heat is the product of Hudson AB and Gibeck technologies. The aim was to deliver humidity as near as possible to the patient. With the Humid Heat, there is no condensation behind the HME, avoiding the need for water traps. The active/passive combination allows the clinician to use the patient's own humidity and only add what is missing.

Intersurgical

Geoff Wond of Intersurgical demonstrates the application of Intersurgical's new Respi-Check™, a non-rebreather mask fitted with a special tube and ball device that makes it easier for clinicians to determine respiratory rate watching the rise and fall of the red ball. Respiratory rate can be determined by counting the rise and fall of the ball. The Respi-Check was introduced in the United Kingdom in April, and is recently in export. Intersurgical also displayed its UniFlow Breathing Systems, breathing filters, HME's, and HMEF's. For more information, see their website at http://www.intersurgical.com.

K. Takaoka

K. Takaoka displayed their Monterey Servo Ventilator, an ICU ventilator for neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients. The Monterey also can be used for non-invasive ventilatory support. The microprocessor-based Monterey has pressure and volume control modes, including pressure supported assured volume (PSV/AV®), and pressure or flow triggering, backup ventilation for apneic periods, a range of alarms with messages displayed on the main control screen, loops, trends, and curves. The company states that in its pressure-controlled ventilation mode, "[b]y properly adjusting the Inspiratory Time and Frequency, the APRV mode features are obtained." For more information, visit their website at http://www.takaoka.com.br.

Medivent Limited

Medivent Limited introduced their new RTX Respirator, an externally applied, cuirass based positive-negative pressure ventilator that provides synchronized assisted and controlled ventilation modes. It provides low and high breathing frequencies (6-1200 breaths per minute) and treats neonates up to large adults (1.5-150 kg).

Company representatives highlighted the RTX's unique feature that synchronizes ventilation with ECG. Medivent explains that during exhalation/systole the heart is compressed providing 'cardiac assist'. During inhalation/diastole (sub-ambient phase), ventricle pre-load is improved. This is contrasted with positive pressure ventilation, which may impede cardiac output. The RTX's dual cycle control of the inspiratory and expiratory phases of respiration makes the device entirely physiological in effect, Medivent reports. Also, the device is lightweight and compact, for use in hospitals, clinics, and homecare settings.

Medivent has received a CE mark for the RTX and is in the process of obtaining FDA clearance. For more information, visit their website at http://www.medivent.com.

Newport Medical Instruments

Newport Medical Instruments presented their new HT50 emergency room, sub-acute, transport* and home-care ventilator, for the adult and pediatric patient. (*call for availability of transport version HT50-T.) The HT50 provides "small size, big value," featuring compressor-less gas delivery, a 10-hour internal battery, and an optional integrated humidifier. The HT50 delivers pressure or volume control, pressure support, and back-up ventilation, plus PEEP/CPAP. Monitoring includes peak, mean, base airway pressure, tidal volume, frequency and inspiratory minute volume. Safety features include comprehensive alarms (including apnea), a protective front panel cover door and Panel Lock feature. Contact Newport at (800) 451-3111, or visit them on the web at www.newportnmi.com for more info.

O-Two Systems International

O-Two Systems International offered several ventilation products for emergency care, among them were the Smart Bag® and the CAREvent® ALS Handheld resuscitator, and the CAREvent® ATV+. The Smart Bag is a bag-valve mask (BVM) that limits the flow of gas into the patient's airway, which the company states provides a controlled flow rate and reduces the risk of gastric insufflation, addressing two common problems associated with respiratory care in the field. New for MEDICA, the Smart Bag includes a red piston within the valve that is activated as a visual warning of improper technique. The CAREvent ALS is a pneumatically-powered, time/volume cycled ventilator with a manual override. A special feature allows spontaneous breathing at 100% oxygen, which causes the automatic cycling to cease until the patient stops breathing spontaneously. For more information, visit their website at www.otwo.com.

Penlon Limited

December 6, 2000 is the date that Penlon Limited will launch its new anesthesia device that features the AV900 ('AV' for Anesthesia Ventilator). Penlon representatives report that the AV900 is easy-to-use, has a comprehensive set of ventilator functions, and works well both with Penlon's anesthesia devices and those from other manufacturers. The AV900 features a print function, loops, built-in PEEP, and a touch-screen control system. For more information, visit their website at http://www.penlon.com.

Salvia Lifetec GmbH

Two weeks ago, Salvia Lifetec GmbH launched its Elisa ICU ventilator for pediatric and adult patients. The Complementing its ventilation modes (CMV, Bi-level, SIMV, and pressure support [ASB] with apnea backup), the Elisa has comprehensive alarms with an autoset function, automatic suction routine, automatic patient detection, and low operating noise. Elisa is small and compact. For more information about Salvia Lifetec, visit their website at http://www.salvia-lifetec.de.

Sechrist Industries, Inc.

This year, Sechrist is introducing two new products: the new Millenium infant/pediatric ventilator and a new hyperbaric chamber, model 2800. Both products are FDA approved and CE (MDD) approved for European distribution. Sechrist Industries, Inc. manufactures neonatal/infant/pediatric intensive care ventilator systems, monoplace hyperbaric chambers, and air/oxygen mixers. For more information, visit their website at www.sechristind.com.

Siare Hospital Supplies s.r.l.

Siare displayed its Siaretron 1000 Vision 211 Oscar ICU workstation. The Siaretron 1000 has a range of ventilatory modes, such as IPPV+ASSIST, PSV, PCV, SPONT SIMV, CPAP, and an optional BiPAP. It is equipped with an automatic system test which checks all set values on system start-up: software and hardware verification, automatic calibration of and flows, pressures, software, and hardware, as well as automatic calibration of the oxygen sensor. The Vision 211 is an cardiopulmonary monitor that can be upgraded as future software versions are released. For more information, see their website at http://www.siare.it.

SIEM s.r.l.

SIEM is developing a new family of ventilators for 2001, beginning with the 2001 RA-EL transport ventilator. The 2001 RA-EL operates as time and pressure cycled, and pressure limited. It has an adjustable trigger, alarms, and CPAP, CMV, CMV with Sigh (every 100 breaths), assisted mode (AMV), and assisted pressure cycled (PCM) modes. In the PCM mode with a PEEP set, the RA-EL emulates PSV and Bilevel ventilation.

Siemens Elema AB

On the left, Andrea Barth of Siemens AG presents the Siemens Servo Ventilator 300 with the Siemens SC 9000XL graphics monitor. Representative spoke about Siemens' "Open Lung" methodology that introduces a new tool that the company reports reduces the risk of barotrauma by minimizing prolonged peak airway presure, reduces the risk of volutrauma by minimizing prolonged overdistention of alveoli, and reduces the risk of alveolar collapse by optimized PEEP level setting. The Open Lung Concept® is to find the opening pressure of the alveoli, find the closing pressure, reopen the lung, and keep the lung open.

Click here to read a presentation from Siemens Elema AB about the Open Lung Tool. For more information, visit their US website at http://www.sms.siemens.com/emdus/index.html.

SLE

SLE Life Support unveiled their new, pneumatically-controlled resuscitator today, the Newborn AR. The Newborn AR is the first volumetric, neonatal resuscitator, according to company representatives. The clinician dials in the desired volume (mls) and flow rate/oxygen percentage, and the AR sets the breathing rate automatically. The AR also offers PEEP during resuscitation. The AR is designed for the delivery and emergency room market. For more information, visit their website at http://www.sle.co.uk.

Pictured: (L) John Hill, with the Newborn AR; (R) the Newborn AR.

Spencer Italia s.r.l.

Spencer, a worldwide supplier of emergency medical equipment, displayed their range of pneumatic emergency ventilators (model 118) and electronic emergency ventilators (170, 190, and 202). For more information, visit their website at http://www.spencer.it.

Taema

Taema, the ventilation arm of Aire Liquide Santé International (http://www.airliquide.com), showcased their new Horus ICU ventilator (with the MDV graphics monitor option) for invasive and non-invasive application to neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients. The Horus features a range of alarms, graphics capabilities, and controlled and spontaneous modes, as well as a touch screen. For more information, visit their website at http://www.taema.fr.airliquide.com.

Pictured: The Taema Horus ventilator.

Thermo Respiratory Group

Thermo Respiratory Group showcased its Seris 2000 ventilator and the VIP Bird Gold and Sterling models. The Seris 2000, for pediatric and adult patients, is TRG's new, microprocessor based ventilator grown from the solid foundation and reputation of the Group's technology. The Seris 2000 offers a built-in nebulizer, oxygen analyzer, and graphics monitor. The Seris 2000 is not yet available in the United States.

The VIP Bird Gold and Sterling are the latest models developed by Bird for neonatal and pediatric patients. The company reports that these models feature pressure and volume control, the "smart" flow sensor which has self-calibration within the sensor, and 'total flow synchrony,' which allows the clinician to adjust the inspiratory termination sensitivity.

Pictured: (L) Greg Oliver and Sue Jones with the Seris 2000; (R) Ron Isenberg with the VIP Bird Gold.

*This is a joke. We did not accept any drinks or trinkets from the exhibitors, except for a stuffed toy dolphin from Hudson RCI GmbH.