Show Brings Out the Best
Health care’s recession proof economy and concerns about competitive bidding combined to draw more than 20,000 to Atlanta for Medtrade 2002. “I think people feel a sense of urgency,” says Corey Smith, group show director for VNU Expositions, Medtrade’s organizer. However, with literally miles of exhibitor booths in two show halls at the Georgia Congress Center, taking it all in at Medtrade could be overwhelming. Therefore, before the sun sets completely on Medtrade 2002, we thought we would round up some of the highlights for you. The following pages feature product and news information from those companies that sponsored the Home Health Care Dealer/Provider bookmark and also exhibited at Medtrade in Atlanta.

Catheter Incorporates Aloe
Mentor Corp, Santa Barbara, Calif, introduces the Clear Advantage® with aloe that combines the advantages of a 100% silicone male external catheter with the skin healing benefits of aloe, without compromising adhesive strength. The Clear Advantage also incorporates a kink-resistant nozzle that provides a more accurate fit to the connection tube, and prevents catheter “blowoffs” due to kinking and urine backups that weaken adhesive. (800) 525-8161; www.mentorcorp.com.

Moist Heat Therapy for Home
Chattanooga Group, a division of Encore Medical Corp, Austin, Tex, introduces TheraTherm™, a digital electric moist heating pad designed for the convenience of home use. The pad provides temporary relief from pain associated with muscle spasm and inflammation caused by strain and tension. The digital controller allows users to set the temperature and time and features a lockout mode. (800) 592-7329; www.chattgroup.com.

Lightweight Mask
The Mirage Vista™ from ResMed Corp, Poway, Calif, is the latest addition to the company’s Mirage® product line. It is designed for patients and clinicians who look for a mask that is smaller, lighter, less obstructive, and easier to use. (800) 424-0737; www.resmed.com.

Portable Oxygen Conserver
CHAD Therapeutics, Chatsworth, Calif, offers the lightweight OXYMATIC 411A electronic oxygen conserver (OM-411A). Weighing 1.2 pounds, the conserver has a built-in regulator and provides every-breath delivery. The 1-6 lpm flow equivalency settings allow for a broader range of patients, and the 5:1 conservation ratio means patients use fewer cylinders. OM-411A features a continuous flow emergency bypass switch preset at 2 lpm and a 2-year warranty. (800) 423-8870; www.chadtherapeutics.com.

Compressor/Nebulizer
Medical Industries America Inc, Adel, Iowa, introduces the TransNeb™ compact piston-compressor/nebulizer system. Standing less than 5 inches tall and weighing only .7 pounds, this quiet unit comes in transparent blue with a carry bag and options such as the battery pack, auto adapter, and pediatric mask. (800) 759-3038; www.medindustries.com.

Comfortable Beds
Neuropedic® Neurological Research and Development Group, White Plains, NY, offers the Neuropedic Electric Adjustable Bed and the Neuropedic Hi-Lo Rehabilitation Bed. The adjustable bed features easy-touch controls, four-way adjustable support, and a tension-reducing vibrator system. It is available in twin, full queen (extra long), and king sizes. The rehabilitation bed supports up to 1,000 pounds and features antiskid floor locking, easy touch controls, six-way adjustable support, half side rails, and head and foot boards. It is available in full and queen sizes. (914) 684-2665; www.neuropedic.com.

CD-ROM Resource
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has changed its accreditation process. The new initiative, “Shared Visions – New Pathways," is intended to sharpen the focus on care systems critical to the safety and quality of patient care. JCAHO offers a free CD-ROM for HME providers who want to know more. JCAHO says “Shared Visions: Home Medical Equipment” will show why the organization has received industry recognition as the gold standard for quality in health care. (630) 792-5000; www.jcaho.org.

Seal the Deal
Respiratory Distributors Inc, Foley, Ala, introduces the Fill-n-STATion heat sealing system. Designed for use with compounded respiratory solutions, the system fills and seals the company’s STAT and Mini-STAT vials with the push of a button, reducing production time. The compact design and decreased movement make the Fill-n-STATion compatible with sterile environments. (800) 872-8672; www.rdiworld.com.

Assure Proper Resistance
Resist-A-Band Products, Tampa, Fla, introduces a new line of exercise bands that incorporate more features and benefits. These include bright neon easy-to-see colors, a light to dark color sequence similar to other brands, low powder, and color coded boxes that make them easier to identify. The exercise bands are also made with a more consistent thickness, assuring therapists that the patient receives the correct resistance level. The bands contain a total of eight resistance levels. (800) 345-3456; www.resist-a-band.net.

Oxygen Conserver
Respironics Inc, Pittsburgh, will distribute Western Medica’s OPC-830 device to the home care market in the United States. Respironics will sell the oxygen conserver under its brand name of OxyLast, and the device also offers a high-pressure regulator. A flow control setting allows the patient to obtain the prescribed oxygen liter flow, and a dual lumen cannula senses the patient’s inspiratory effort and delivers oxygen on demand. (800) 345-6443; www.respironics.com.

Power Performance
Leisure-Lift Inc, Kansas City, Kan, offers the Scout RF4, a power wheelchair with a turning radius of 24.5 inches, a top speed of 4.3 miles, and a range on a full charge of 20 miles. It is 27.5 inches wide and 43.5 inches long, and weighs 400 pounds. Special features include 21-inch and 24-inch wide seats. The frame is warrantied for 3 years and the electronics for 2 years. (800) 255-0285; www.pacesaver.com.