LAS VEGAS, December 11, 2006 – Cardinal Health, the leading provider of products and services supporting the health-care industry, today announced an exclusive, three-year distribution agreement with Fisher & Paykel Healthcare to provide its new line of single-use, non-invasive ventilation masks and high flow oxygen therapy products to health-care providers in the United States.
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of heated humidification products and systems for use in respiratory care and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
The non-invasive mask products include full-face masks and nasal masks designed to improve patient comfort and clinician ease of use. The Free Motion Glider™, Dual Swivel Elbow, Unique Headgear System and Under The Chin Seal exemplify the newest features and innovations in mask technology.
The High Flow Oxygen Therapy products include Optiflow™ Adult High Flow Interface, High Flow Tracheostomy Interface, and Neonatal High Flow BC cannulas. These products are intended to deliver humidified flows that meet the patient’s peak inspiratory demand, which may result in higher FiO2 values when compared to standard oxygen delivery.
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare worked with more than 100 customers and 150 engineers to develop these next-generation products. “We are impressed by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s dedication to improving products to help address respiratory issues for patients in the hospital,” said Hank Struik, Cardinal Health’s vice president and general manager of Respiratory Care.
The use of non-invasive ventilation therapies is increasing as an alternative to invasive ventilation because of their ability to provide patients with respiratory support without intubation, which may lead to Ventilator Associated Pneumonias. The use of high flow therapies is increasing in demand as an alternative to improve patient oxygenation and help improve patient recovery time.
About Cardinal Health
Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is an $81 billion, global company serving the health-care industry with a broad portfolio of products and services. Through its diverse offerings, Cardinal Health delivers health-care solutions that help customers reduce their costs, improve safety and productivity, and deliver better care to patients. The company manufactures, packages and distributes pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, offers a range of clinical services and develops automation products that improve the management and delivery of supplies and medication for hospitals, physician offices and pharmacies. Ranked No. 19 on the Fortune 500, Cardinal Health employs more than 55,000 people on six continents. More information about the company may be found at www.cardinalhealth.com.
