Respironics Releases Ventilator Accessory
Respironics Inc, Pittsburgh, introduces an oxygen manifold accessory for its Esprit Critical Care Ventilator in order to provide seamless ventilation during transitions among care areas by maintaining an uninterrupted oxygen supply when changing oxygen sources. www.respironics.com.

Nellcor’s Pulse Oximetry to Reach 26-Hospital System
Nellcor, part of Tyco Healthcare, Pleasanton, Calif, announced a 4-year purchase agreement with Kaiser Permanente, the United States’ largest not-for-profit HMO, for Nellcor pulse oximeters and pulse oximetry sensors. The two companies initially established a relationship in 1986, and these negotiations extend the reinforced connection through October 2005. www.nellcor.com.

AirSep Cleared to Market “World’s Smallest” O2 Concentrator
Weighing less than 10 pounds, the Lifestyle Portable Oxygen Concentrator from AirSep Corp, Buffalo, NY, has received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration. The company began shipping the concentrators in April and has begun to sell the CE-approved medical device overseas. www.airsep.com.

Nova Biomedical and HealthTrust Enter Supply Agreement
Nova Biomedical Corp, Waltham, Mass, and HealthTrust Purchasing Group (HPG), Brentwood, Tenn, have signed a 3-year multisource agreement for the supply of Nova blood gas analyzers and connectivity solutions. As of May 1, Nova Biomedical began providing its series of Stat Profile pHOx® blood gas/critical care analyzers and Remote Testing Management System to HPG members. www.novabio.com; www.healthtrustpg.com.

Laskey Promoted to VP of Sales and Marketing
CHAD Therapeutics Inc, Chatsworth, Calif, has promoted Erica Laskey from director of sales and marketing to vice president of sales and marketing. Laskey joined CHAD in January 2001. www.chadtherapeutics.com.

Vapotherm Awards RT Departments
Vapotherm Inc, Annapolis, Md, recognized several hospitals’ respiratory therapy departments with the “Innovator in Respiratory Therapy Award” during the recent FOCUS on Respiratory national meeting. The award recognizes willingness to provide patients with innovative treatment options designed to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and increase patient comfort. Recognized hospitals include: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Northwest Community Hospital (Arlington Heights, Ill), Swedish Covenant Hospital (Chicago), Baptist Memorial North Mississippi (Oxford, Miss), Harbor Hospital (Baltimore), and Mercy St John’s (St Louis). www.vtherm.com.

TechEd Consultants Releases Spirometry Training
TechEd Consultants, Mason, Mich, introduces Spirometry: Producing Quality Results, a computer-based training program on CD-ROM, designed for training and annual competence assessment in multiple health care settings where spirometry may be performed, including clinics, physician offices, occupational health, and hospitals. www.techedconsultants.com.

Nellcor’s Pulse Oximetry to Reach 26-Hospital System
Nellcor, part of Tyco Healthcare, Pleasanton, Calif, announced a 4-year purchase agreement with Kaiser Permanente, the United States’ largest not-for-profit HMO, for Nellcor pulse oximeters and pulse oximetry sensors. The two companies initially established a relationship in 1986, and these negotiations extend the reinforced connection through October 2005. www.nellcor.com.