KCI Introduces AtmosAir(R) V-series Mattress Replacement System for the Prevention of Pressure Ulcers

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (NYSE: KCI), a global medical technology company with leadership positions in advanced wound care and therapeutic surfaces, today announced the introduction of a new mattress replacement system (MRS), the AtmosAir® V-series MRS, designed to assist hospitals in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. The V-series MRS enhances the AtmosAir family of surfaces, which already accommodates a wide range of hospital bed frames and stretchers, by adding compatibility with the Hill-Rom VersaCare® frame. The new AtmosAir V-series MRS has all the benefits of KCI’s unique AtmosAir line and is the only non-powered Self Adjusting Technology™ (SAT) mattress on the market able to prevent and treat pressure ulcers. The AtmosAir V-series works automatically, keeping patients at an appropriate level of pressure redistribution with no power or patient adjustment required. The product will provide hospitals with the flexibility they need to quickly and aggressively fight against the hospital acquired pressure ulcers for which CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) in the U.S. will stop reimbursement on October 1, 2008. "KCI is a recognized leader in therapeutic surface technologies and we are committed to providing solutions that improve outcomes for patients,” said Lynne Sly, KCI’s President of Global Therapeutic Support Systems. "Documented facility case studies have shown that AtmosAir SAT surfaces help prevent patients from developing pressure ulcers, and we are confident that the new AtmosAir V-series MRS will provide the same excellent performance with the added benefit of enhanced compatibility with existing bed frames.” Susan Krause, RN, MSNc, Certified Wound Specialist and Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse Consultant with the Wound Healing Department at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego said: "Patient care is our key focus and we are interested in any innovation that will improve the patient experience. AtmosAir surfaces are a vital part of our prevention strategy for pressure ulcers and we have seen a significant decline in our need for rental products while maintaining our already low incidence rates. Many of our patients continue to avoid the unnecessary pain, infection and discomfort caused by pressure ulcers and they continue to remark how comfortable the mattresses are.” "SAT is the only technology with a unique self inflating capability and it is a key component of our entire AtmosAir range as it gives patients more comfort and control,” added Sly. "Because AtmosAir V-series products are sold to institutions rather than rented, they help facilities reduce rental expenditure and in turn reduce overall costs to treat patients.” About KCI Kinetic Concepts, Inc. is a global medical technology company with leadership positions in advanced wound care and therapeutic surfaces. We design, manufacture, market and service a wide range of proprietary products that can improve clinical outcomes and can help reduce the overall cost of patient care. Our advanced wound-care systems incorporate our proprietary Vacuum Assisted Closure®, or V.A.C®, Therapy technology, which has been demonstrated clinically to help promote wound healing through unique mechanisms of action and can help reduce the cost of treating patients with serious wounds. Our therapeutic surfaces, including specialty hospital beds, mattress replacement systems and overlays, are designed to address pulmonary complications associated with immobility, to prevent skin breakdown and assist caregivers in the safe and dignified handling of obese patients. We have an infrastructure designed to meet the specific needs of medical professionals and patients across all healthcare settings, including acute care hospitals, extended care organizations and patients' homes, both in the United States and abroad. Further information Full details, case studies and educational videos on the AtmosAir® family of non-powered, dynamic pressure-relieving mattresses with SAT™ are available at http://www.kci1.com/1587.asp. The Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com), Wednesday, September 5, 2007: Lynne Sly, President, Global Therapeutic Surfaces quoted in ‘Hospitals Combat Dangerous Bedsores’ article. http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118894998795817515.html References Lyder CH. Pressure ulcer prevention and management. JAMA. 2003;289:223–6 US Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.cms.hhs.gov Baranoski S. Pressure ulcers: a renewed awareness. Nursing 2006;36:36–42 Reddy M, Gill SS, Rochon PA. Preventing pressure ulcers: a systematic review. JAMA. 2006;296:974–84 Whitney J, Phillips L, Aslam R, et al. Guidelines for the treatment of pressure ulcers. Wound Repair Regen. 2006;14:663–79