For those of us who went to Medtrade in Orlando, Fla, this year, the booths seemed to stretch for miles in all directions offering thousands of industry tidbits. After 3 days of seeking out product innovations, taking in technology improvements, and catching up on industry news, it takes some time to let it all sink in. Before the sun sets completely on Medtrade 2000, we thought we would round up some of the highlights for you. The following pages feature product and news information from those companies that advertised in the September and October issues of Home Health Care Dealer/Provider and also exhibited at Medtrade 2000.
Battle Creek
Battle Creek Equipment, Battle Creek, Mich, announces the ice it!™ line to provide relief to large areas. Three usable cold packs slip into soft, cotton-backed pockets in a Deluxe Wrap to comfortably ice a 9 x 20 in area. The wrap absorbs moisture, allows maximum cold to reach the affected area, and holds position with an adjustable hook-and-pile strap. Soft gel inserts remain pliable and conform to the shape of the body or limb where applied. Deluxe Wraps are available in four styles covering 4.5 x 10 in, 6 x 9 in, and 6 x 18 in areas. (800) 253-0854.
Invacare
Invacare, Elyria, Ohio, introduces a new line of Invacare® Lift Chairs designed and built by a leading manufacturer of motion furniture. The new lift chairs offer a German-engineered motor and a state-of-the-art lift mechanism for durability and reliable performance. The line includes a wide chair and space-saving Three-Way Wall Hugger Models, with optional heat and massage. All nine models feature multi-layered wood and a reinforced frame for strength; heavy-gauge, no-sag steel springs in the seat and back for durability; a spring-loaded ottoman for safety; and a welded steel base for stability. Lift chairs support up to 350 pounds. (800) 333-6900; www.invacare.com.
Mallinckrodt
Mallinckrodt, St Louis, announces the Breeze™ SleepGear™ with DreamSeal™ assembly, which received 510 (k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration. The integrated design of the Breeze SleepGear with Nasal Pillows assembly ensures quick, optimal fit without confining facial straps and sets new standards for simplicity, comfort, and effectiveness with patients undergoing therapy in sleep laboratories and at home. The DreamSeal perimeter nasal seal, which floats comfortably over the nose, now combines with Breeze SleepGear to create levels of freedom and comfort never before experienced by traditional mask wearers. The Breeze SleepGear with DreamSeal and Nasal Pillows front assemblies is the only interface system in which perimeter seal and pillows can be swapped quickly and effortlessly for improved clinical ease and patient comfort under varying degrees of therapy. In addition, an entertaining, illustrated guide to the sleep laboratory experience entitled “The Man Who Couldn’t Sleep and Who Couldn’t Stay Awake” gives insight into sleep apnea and sleep therapy. (800) 663-3336; www.mallinckrodt.com.
Northwood
Northwood, Center Line, Mich, changed the name of its purchasing program from Group Buyer’s Program to Northwood Plus + Program. Northwood Plus will help home care companies with costcontainment, new profitable product lines, accreditation, and network strategies.
“Northwood’s purchasing program is more than just a place to find excellent pricing,” says Donald Green, Northwood Plus + Program director. “We want the industry to recognize Northwood as a managed care organization plus a whole lot more. We provide products and services to assist with the entire operations structure of an HME or P&O business. This includes not only purchasing of medical supplies, but also office supplies/equipment, telecommunication services, leasing and insurance needs, accreditation needs, and a variety of other services.” (800) 447-9599; www.northwoodinc.com.
SeQual Technologies
SeQual Technologies, San Diego, announces the IntegraTEN™ system, a 10-L home oxygen concentrator designed for the “high-flow” patient. Servicing a full range of patients, the IntegraTEN is housed in the same cabinet as the 5-L Integra™. The system can service multiple patients simultaneously with a 10-lpm capacity, using inexpensive devices that split the oxygen flow. The oxygen flow rate is variable in 1¼2-L increments, with O2 content of 95% to 90% at rates of 7 to 10-L. The unit’s O2 output is rated at 92% to 95% at volumes from 0 to 7 LPM. The scaled-up version of the ATF® module eliminates all solenoid valves, keeping the unit quiet. (800) 826-4610; www.sequal.com.
SCA Hygiene
SCA Hygiene Products, Eddystone, Pa, introduces TENA® Extra Absorbent Protective Underwear for moderate to severe incontinence in both men and women. Available in two sizes, TENA Extra Absorbent features gentle waist elastic, allowing users to pull them on and off like regular underwear. The product also offers soft, cloth-like material, advanced leakage protection, and disposable tape for sanitary roll-up convenience. (800) 992-9939; www.tena-usa.com.
ResMed
ResMed, Poway, Calif, introduces the Ultra Mirage™ Mask to its Mirage® Mask line. The lightweight, contoured mask cushion fits around the nose, ensuring that only soft, silicone membrane touches the sensitive nose bridge. Fully assembled with headgear, cushion, and frame, the mask features an adjustable forehead support and release clips that detach the headgear from the mask. The Ultra Mirage Mask’s Quick Release Swivel easily disconnects the mask from the air tubing. An air vent built into the 360° rotating mask elbow minimizes flow intensity and reduces noise. (800) 424-0737; www.resmed.com.
Web Site
Medtrade.com, Roswell, Ga, is the business-to-business portal for the home health care industry. The site allows visitors to preview upcoming product introductions, stay current with industry news, learn about upcoming Medtrade events, and make online purchases. Medtrade.com offers providers an e-booth feature for a visual presentation of their products along with detailed descriptions and a direct connection to industry buyers. In addition, Medtrade.com provides an e-merchant feature for industry professionals to purchase products 24 hours a day. (888) 854-4420; www.medtrade.com.
Sunrise Medical
Sunrise Medical, Longmont, Colo, announces a new Power Pak option for its Kid Kart Xpress product line for young children with special needs. The Power Pak allows young children to have powered mobility at their fingertips. The Kid Kart Xpress seating shell easily attaches to the Power Pak base (model Z-500) and can be returned to the manual base. An accessible center-mount joystick allows children to learn control with either the left or right hand. When not in use, the joystick can be stored on the side of the Power Pak frame to avoid damage. The Kid Kart Xpress with Power Pak comes with Transit attachments and has been crash tested to ensure safety. (888) 333-2572; www.sunrisemedical.com.
Mentor
Mentor, Santa Barbara, Calif, has added the Freedom Clear® Long Seal (LS) and the Freedom Clear® Sport Sheath (SS) to its line of male external catheters. Both silicone products, which are intended for daily wear, are self-adhering and latex-free. In order to minimize the need to remove the catheter, a thin, clear sheath allows for easy, visual skin checks. The Freedom Clear LS features a longer adhesive seal on the sheath, which does not come in contact with sensitive areas. For men with penis retractions, the brief sheath of the Freedom Clear SS maximizes comfort while minimizing roll at the base of the catheter. (800) 328-3863; www.mentorcorp.com.
iNetClaims
iNetClaims™, Maitland, Fla, received a tremendous response at Medtrade 2000. HME providers faced with technical difficulties from their current systems were pleased to discover the efficiency of iNetClaims’ software and claims routing service, which enables expedient payment by Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurers. iNetClaims debuted Streamlined Inventory Management and Accounts Receivable Reporting features at Medtrade. The Inventory Control allows HME providers to capture data quickly and accurately for multiple sites, relay data to the computer and record instantly, and record inventory by serial number or lot number. iNetClaims Accounts Receivable Reporting allows providers to generate and print A/R reports by any combination of billing status, billing date, insurer, order date, patient state, and outstanding balance. (877) 944-9800; www.inetclaims.com.
Star Cushion Products
Star Cushion Products, Belleville, Ill, presents the Star Standard Contour wheelchair cushion, a therapeutic air-flow system that utilizes soft, flexible, interconnected air cells that dynamically adjust to the individual profile. By this action, an increased supply of blood necessary for healthy tissue maintenance and repair is achieved, which enhances pressure relief. Also available are the Star Short Contour (2") cushion and the StarMatt mattress overlay system. All products are available in custom and special sizes. (888) 277-7827.
Surgical Appliance Industries
At Medtrade 2000, the Truform Therapeutic Hosiery Division of Surgical Appliance Industries, Cincinnati, released two new styles for its TRUsheer line: the TRUsheer Thigh High and Pantyhose styles. TRUsheer Thigh Highs feature a silicone beaded stay-up top incorporated into a lace-patterned band. TRUsheer Pantyhose’s cotton panel allows for all-day comfort, and the flat stitching throughout provides an inconspicuous fit. Both styles are available in either 20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg compression. Stocked in beige, black, and navy, the new styles offer a sheer look and feel. Maternity Style Pantyhose are also available with a stomachy panel for comfortable support during the second and third trimesters. (800) 888-0458; www.surgicalappliance.com.
Mobility Transfer Systems
Mobility Transfer Systems, Randolph, Mass, introduces the Freedom Grip® Model 501, which enables patients with back pain, problems with balance, or Parkinson's disease to easily get out of bed. Freedom Grip comes with a 20" x 29" bed board, which slides between the mattress and the box spring of home beds of any style. The handle snaps in easily, and will also prevent patients from falling out of bed. (800) 314-2221; www.bed-mobility.com.
VerticalNet
VerticalNet, Horsham, Pa, announces three new strategic business units—VerticalNet Markets, VerticalNet Exchanges, and VerticalNet Solutions—which will work together to provide end-to-end e-commerce strategies to its customers. VerticalNet Markets, which owns and operates 57 vertical markets, will provide information, interaction, and transaction for international buyers and sellers in a hosted environment, while VerticalNet Exchange will leverage exchange capabilities and scalable capabilities in supply chain, fulfillment, risk management, and globalization to meet the demands of growing businesses. VerticalNet Solutions is a single technology group dedicated to selling and delivering the most comprehensive product suite and services available in the industry. www.verticalnet.com.
The MED Group
The MED Group, Lubbock, Tex, offers more than 34 Product Information for Customer (PIC) Sheets that provide proper instruction to patients. PIC Sheets are assembled into pads of either 25 or 50 sheets, each from 1 to 9 pages in length. Color-coded sheets allow HME employees quick and easy access. The easy-to-understand PIC Sheets are also available in Spanish. (800) 825-5633; www.medgroup.com.
Pride Mobility
Pride Mobility Products, Exeter, Pa, introduces the Laser™ Sport Scooter™, the first of its kind. The Turbo button allows Laser users to increase vehicle speed up to 8 mph by depressing and holding it while driving a straight course on flat, smooth terrain. When users release the Turbo button, the Laser returns to a normal scooter speed of 5.5 mph. Pride’s patent-pending Speed Control Technology ensures safety by sensing incline conditions and vehicle directional orientation to automatically disable Turbo speed during cornering, steep descents, or extreme lateral braking. The 3- and 4-wheel models come fully equipped with an adjustable tiller, front and rear suspension, high-density front and rear bumpers, full lighting package, and the new high-back seat with headrest, sliders, and contoured armrests. (800) 800-8586; www.pridemobility.com.
Millennia Medical
Millennia Medical Products, Flanders, NJ, introduces its new shower seat with removable arms and back. The smooth seat features water channels, strong composite construction, a removable contoured back rest, and optional removable arms. In addition, the rust-proof seat supports up to 300 lbs and includes adjustable height legs, a built-in handheld shower holder, and suction feet for added safety. No tools are required for assembly. (877) 598-1013; www.millenniamedical.com.
Kurt
Theradyne Healthcare Products, a division of Kurt Manufacturing Company, Jordan, Minn, presents the Rover Express power wheelchair. With single unit frame construction, the Rover Express offers 70° of tilt-in-space, a saddle bag armrest for storage, and various lateral and head support assemblies. In spring of 2001, a riser seat will be available. The power chair supports up to 400 lbs and features 40 seat configurations. The Rover Express has a maximum speed of 7.25 mph and a range of 30 miles per charge. (800) 328-4014; www.theradyne.com.
Omron
Omron Healthcare, Vernon Hills, Ill, unveils the Omron MC-600 3-Way Instant Thermometer. Combining the basic shape of the ear thermometer with the elongated probe of a standard digital device for the mouth, the thermometer reports measurement results in 4 to 6 seconds, rather than the 60 to 90 second readings of conventional models. The MC-600 uses two sensors instead of one in new patented RATE (Rapid Accurate Temperature Establishment) technology that measures heat flow from blood vessels to the skin. The thermometer recalls the last temperature, performs in both Fahrenheit or Celsius modes, and can be changed from oral to rectal to under-arm readings with the press of a button. The MC-600 provides the accuracy of a glass thermometer without the risk of broken glass or mercury poisoning. A 9-volt battery and instruction manual are included. (800) 634-4350; www.omron.
Productbuzz
Productbuzz, Boulder, Colo, announces two additional online health care marketplaces targeting rehabilitation professionals and the long-term care market. The free Web sites provide registered members searchable product databases, including product descriptions and images. Visitors can peruse the latest industry news and job offerings, join moderated discussions and auctions, request additional product information, and connect to the vendors’ sites for ordering instructions. One of the new sites, www.rehab.productbuzz.com, will serve more than 200,000 in the field of physical rehabilitative care. The other site, www.longtermcare.productbuzz.com, will serve more than 50,000 nursing home, long-term care, and case management professionals. (303) 938-0221; www.productbuzz.com.
Gendron
Gendron, Archbold, Ohio, presents its Extra Duty Bariatric Commode. The commode provides offset rear legs for stability, 26 in width between the arms, and an adjustable seat height from 18 in to 24 in. Safety features include nonskid leg tips and a full width back rail. (800) 537-2521; www.gendroninc.com.
Datex-Ohmeda
Datex-Ohmeda, Madison, Wis, presents the TuffSat™ handheld pulse oximeter. The easy-to-use spot-check oximeter allows for easy oxygen saturation readings. The lightweight and ergonomic device features a built-in rubber grip. Designed for home care and transport, the oximeter offers superior portability and simple one-hand operation. (800) 345-2700; www.datex-ohmeda.com
Advanced Aeromedical
Sim Italia, Bologna, Italy, announces the upgrade of its current certification EN46002/ISO 9002 to EN46001/ISO 9001. The company’s TravelSome portable oxygen concentrator can be used in a variety of places inside and outside the home. The universal power supply accessory allows the TravelSome to function off standard house current, and the cigarette lighter connection offers full functionality in the car. The 12-volt unit connects to a portable battery pack for short walks, power outages, or emergency situations. The battery attaches to the back of the unit and gives 45 minutes of autonomy before recharge is necessary. Built on wheels with a retractable handle, TravelSome weighs less than 23 lbs and offers continuous (1.2 lpm) and demand flow (2.5 lpm) settings. Advanced Aeromedical is the exclusive distributor in the United States. (800) 346-3556; www.outletmedical.com.
Respironics
Respironics, Pittsburgh, announces the new BiPAP® Synchrony™ Ventilatory Support System. The noninvasive ventilator offers the option of either a limited-feature ventilator platform (BiPAP Synchrony S) or an advanced platform (BiPAP Synchrony S/T) with additional modes of operation. Synchrony S may also be upgraded to the S/T device. The compact ventilator weighs less than 6 lbs and features Digital Auto-Trak Sensitivity™, which automatically adjusts to a patient’s breathing pattern and mask leaks. A unique ventilator ramp function allows pressure to be introduced to the patient gradually. Respironics’ Encore® Software tool helps providers to collect data and generate reports. (800) 345-6443; www.respironics.com.
Battery Outlet and Copperstate Battery
Battery Outlet, Chesapeake, Va, and Copperstate Battery, Phoenix, offer Sealed Batteries for power mobility vehicles. Batteries are shipped within 24 hours with free delivery anywhere in the continental United States. For Battery Outlet, call (800) 333-8280; for Copperstate Battery, call (800) 846-3391.
AirSep Corporation
AirSep Corporation, Buffalo, NY, chose decorative foliage to express its theme, “Grow Your Business with AirSep,” at Medtrade 2000. The company also gave away many Mystique™ Ultrasonic Nebulizer units in the “Mystique Gardens.” The Mystique offers an alternative to noisy, compressor-driven nebulizers and metered-dose inhalers. In addition to Mystique, AirSep offers an extensive line of respiratory products. NewLife® Elite, AirSep’s flagship oxygen concentrator, offers the reliability and flexibility today’s market expects. The ImPulse™ Select OCD offers oxygen therapy on-the-go. OxiScan™ Oximetry Recording and Reporting System provides a powerful diagnostic tool with the features professionals value and the convenience patients desire for home testing, while Remedy Renew™ brings quiet relief to patients requiring CPAP testing. (800) 874-0202; www.airsep.com.
Allied Healthcare Products
Allied Healthcare Products, St Louis, presents the Schuco® 3000 nebulizer compressor, with a rugged, compact style that provides worry-free, affordable nebulizer therapy. The liter flow is 9 lpm at the nebulizer cup with a pressure rating of 35 psi. The recessed tubing connector reduces the likelihood of breaking, and the built-in handle and cord storage compartment reduce the potential for damaging or scratching furniture. The Schuco® 3000 weighs 3.8 lbs and includes a maintenance-free compressor, nebulizer, tubing, mouthpiece and tee, and 5-year warranty. A new nylon carry bag is now available. (800) 444-3940; www.alliedhpi.com.
Otto Bock Health Care
Otto Bock Health Care, Minneapolis, introduces the C-LEG microprocessor-controlled knee joint, which creates the closest approximation to a natural gait yet. On-board force and angle sensors take up to 50 measurements per second, while unique software algorithms determine the phase of gait and then immediately adjust knee functions to compensate. The prosthesis automatically adjusts to stairs and uneven terrain, reducing the need to compensate with the other limb while creating an easier, more natural movement. Individualized training for amputees and their personal prosthetists takes place at a special Otto Bock service center. (800) 328-4058; www.ottobock.com.
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