Philips-Respironics Rolls Out New Ventilator for Chronic Respiratory Insufficiency Diseases

Philips Respironics introduced its new bi-level ventilator called BiPAP A40 for the management of chronic respiratory insufficiency, a condition secondary to diseases such as obesity hypoventilation syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and neuromuscular disease for adult and pediatric patients.

The new device was launched on World COPD Day (Nov. 14) and showcased this week at the Medica trade fair in Dusseldorf, Germany. According to the company, the BiPAP A40 is designed to improve the management of chronic respiratory diseases by offering a range of benefits that facilitate the smoothest possible transition in patient care—from initial titration to hospital discharge, from home therapy to long-term follow-up.

“Philips is proud to be able to provide access to new and innovative solutions that improve quality of care for respiratory patients—both in hospital and at home,” said Mats Dahlquist, general manager international, Philips Home Healthcare Solutions.

Dahlquist said one of the key benefits of the new device is an innovative ventilation mode called AVAPS-AE that helps to guide clinicians during the initial titration of therapy, while maintaining comfort and improving efficacy for the patient. This new ventilation mode automatically maintains airway patency while delivering the correct level of ventilation each user requires, whatever their body position or sleep stage. AVAPS-AE mode also helps to guide clinicians during the initial titration of therapy, while providing long term comfort and assuring therapy compliance.

In addition to the introduction of AVAPS-AE, the BiPAP A40 features a unique battery module design for and improved level of autonomy that increases support when traveling, or in the case of a power shortage. Furthermore, the design incorporates an intuitive user interface and data management tools that allow clinicians to remotely access and review data about a user’s therapy, adjusting it as necessary.

Although many chronic respiratory diseases are preventable and can be effectively managed, they continue to be an important cause of morbidity, mortality and the increased healthcare costs worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030, with 65 million people currently living with the disease across the world. COPD is a particularly costly disease to manage, with an annual healthcare bill of more than 10 billion euros across the European Union.

The Respironics division of Philips Healthcare is based in Murrysville, Pa. U.S. healthcare headquarters of the Netherlands-based Royal Philips Electronics is in Andover, Mass.