Electromed - Airway Clearance Systems for High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) Therapy

The SmartVest® Airway Clearance System® is a patented medical device that uses a technology called High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) to provide Chest Physio-Therapy (CPT). HFCWO helps the patient to clear the lungs of excess mucus and also provides improved lung drainage. If not removed, excess mucus (secretions) becomes an excellent environment for bacteria, fungus and viruses to grow. This increases the frequency of lung infections.

It is reported in the Journal of American Medical Directors that, HFCWO can substantially reduce pneumonia and resulting hospitalizations. HFCWO has become a leading choice by physicians who care for patients who have difficulties expressing mucus from their lungs.

SMARTVEST® HCFWO TREATMENT

The SmartVest provides patients with an HCFWO treatment that is not only effective but is also well accepted by the patient. According to studies published in the Journal of American Medical Directors, "during HFCWO, patients are less combative during therapy; caregivers found the vest easy to understand and use, and noted that patients were comforted and soothed by the therapy."

SmartVest allows patients to manage their own airway clearance therapy treatment. Its innovative design makes it possible for children as young as six years of age to use the SmartVest with modest adult supervision. Hospital staff can program a patient's individual protocol into the device allowing them to complete their SmartVest treatments with minimum effort and supervision.

INTELLIGENT AIR PULSE GENERATOR

The SmartVest consists of an intelligent air pulse generator which may be programmed for each individual patient’s treatment needs. A single air hose delivers pulses of air into a patented vest designed much like an article of clothing. An independent patented air bladder system is situated inside the vest shell. This permits the vest shell to be separated and washed. The bladder receives air pulses from the air pulse generator which are then transferred against the chest of the patient. Full coverage pulsation is achieved assuring that all lobes of the lung are treated at the same time.

HFCWO TREATMENT FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS PATIENTS

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients were among the first to benefit from HFCWO treatment. However, a wider range of patients who have difficulties clearing excess mucus secretions are now being treated. Patients with bronchiectasis, neuro-muscular disorders, and COPD have been reported to receive significant airway clearance benefit from HFCWO treatment provided by the SmartVest. Reimbursement for SmartVest has become well established in the US among private health insurance providers as well as Federal and State agencies.

Electromed, Inc., as the first to provide a portable, then programmable, and now multi-positional operating system, takes pride in claiming its place as the innovative leader in HFCWO therapy. It is growing rapidly consistent with its commitment to providing superior care through innovation.

SMARTVEST WRAP™ SINGLE-PATIENT USE VEST

In November 2007, Electromed, Inc. introduced the SmartVest Wrap. This new vest option provides an alternative to the long-term vest and can be quickly and easily utilized in a clinic or hospital setting.

The caregiver can simply slip the SmartVest Wrap behind the patient's back, thread it under the arms, and draw the device around the patient's entire chest circumference. Thus 360° full coverage pulsation is achieved. Patents are pending on this new system. It has been designed to be compatible with all prior models of the SmartVest. The SmartVest Wrap is a single patient use device which is intended for short term use. Thereafter, it is destroyed consistent with good infection control practice.