Teleflex Medical and ResMed Corporation Sign NIV Mask Distribution Agreement

Teleflex Medical, a leading global supplier of disposable medical products for critical care and surgical applications, announced today the signing of a distribution agreement with ResMed Corp. This agreement makes Teleflex Medical an exclusive distributor of the ResMed Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) mask portfolio for U.S. acute care hospitals not affiliated with the Veterans Administration.

Teleflex Medical is focused on providing hospital customers the choice of superior products that simply and effectively address the needs of the non-invasive ventilation patient.  The ResMed NIV mask portfolio expands Teleflex Medical’s offering which includes the ConchaTherm® Neptune®, a heated humidifier designed for use in NIV. 

The use of NIV has grown rapidly in recent years and this trend is expected to continue as facilities adopt protocols aimed at reducing ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). VAP is the leading nosocomial infection in critically ill patients and the second most common hospital-associated infection.(1) According to the recommendations made by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), general strategies that have been found to influence the risk of VAP include the use of non-invasive ventilation whenever possible.(2)

Studies have shown that NIV improves oxygenation and is well tolerated by patients with acute respiratory failure.  By eliminating the need for endotracheal intubation in certain conditions, the result is fewer complications, shorter hospitals stays and as a result, reduced mortality rates and costs of care.(3)

As a world leader in mask design, ResMed is known for innovation and setting new standards in the design and manufacture of masks for non-invasive pressure therapy.  Their offering in the NIV space displays this commitment to excellence.  The Resmed NIV masks are quick-fitting, high-performance products that have earned a reputation for being easy-to-use, secure-sealing and comfortable. These are all critical factors in ensuring patient/ventilator synchrony and effective ventilation.

“We are pleased to join forces with Teleflex Medical, a global leader in medical products and solutions, to provide hospital customers with products that effectively serve their patients’ needs for comfortable, reliable, and efficient treatment systems,” said Allen Ehrlich, director of product management, Americas, for ResMed Corp.

“At Teleflex Medical, we seek strategic alliances with leading companies that can help us bring innovative products to our customers,” said Matthew Jennings, president of Teleflex Medical North America. “Working with ResMed expands our NIV portfolio and provides clinicians with access to a wider selection of respiratory products aimed at improving patient comfort and maximizing therapy compliance.”

References

1. Stone PW, Braccia D, Larson E.  Systematic review of economic analysis of health care-associated infections. Am J Infect Control 2005 ;33 :501-9.

2. Coffin S, Klompas M, Classen D, et al.  Strategies to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Acute Care Hospitals.  Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2008 ; 29 :S31-S40.

3. Arroliga A. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in acute respiratory failure:  Does it improve outcomes?  Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine 2001; Vol 68; No 8.