Smiths Medical Launches Pneupac® paraPAC plus™ in U.S. and Canada

Smiths Medical, a leading global medical device manufacturer, today announced the launch of its Pneupac® paraPAC plus™ ventilator in the U.S. and Canada. The ventilator, cleared by the FDA and Health Canada, has been used clinically since early 2011 in countries accepting CE-marked devices.

The paraPAC plus™ is the most advanced transport ventilator of the Pneupac® range, supporting the basic life-sustaining needs of a patient in respiratory distress as well as the needs of an inpatient receiving CPAP or other high efficiency oxygen therapy. It is compact, measuring 235mm wide, 165mm deep by 93mm high and weighs less than five pounds, approximately a third lighter than its market leading predecessor, the Pneupac® paraPAC®. The small footprint fits neatly at a patient’s side, on a stretcher or bed, in an ambulance or aircraft, and on an MRI table. The non-ferrous construction allows it to be positioned next to a 3-Tesla shielded magnet affecting neither ventilator function nor MRI scan quality and it is approved for use in a spatial gradient of up to 7.5 Tesla in the MRI environment. It is built with a rugged case that encapsulates internal structures, the intake and output ports, controls and indicators from the bumps and knocks that come with everyday use.

The paraPAC plus™ is fully pneumatic while performing essential operations – ventilation and oxygen therapies – without electrical power. An electronic alarm system of visual and audible signals can be powered by a long-life, MRI compatible lithium battery. In addition, the ventilator’s Air Mix feature helps conserve precious oxygen supplies when used during lengthy transports.

“We are pleased to offer our most advanced, best-equipped transport ventilator in North America,” said Andrew Rose, Vice President Specialty Business. “Globally paraPAC plus™ has had more than two years of clinical use and we are confident that it is one of the most reliable, resilient and versatile transport ventilators that we have ever produced.”

The paraPAC plus™ ventilator can be ordered, starting May 1, 2014 through Smiths Medical and authorized distributors.

Product(s) described may not be licensed or available for sale in all countries.

About Smiths Medical

Smiths Medical www.smiths-medical.com is a leading supplier of specialized medical devices and equipment for global markets, focusing on the medication delivery, vital care and safety devices market segments. It is part of Smiths Group www.smiths.com, a global leader in applying advanced technologies for markets in threat and contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 22,000 people in more than 50 countries.