Israeli medical device start-up DeepBreeze Ltd. and GE Healthcare have unveiled a version of the Vibration Response Imaging (VRI) system for intensive care units and preoperative care areas, known as the VRIICU, at the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine convention in Berlin. The companies plan to launch the device in Asia soon. The device is a non-invasive, radiation-free, pulmonary imaging system.
GE Healthcare has received exclusive global rights to market the VRIICU for use in emergency and operating rooms. DeepBreeze’s Vibration Response Imaging (VRI) monitors the breathing of patients on artificial respirators. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the basic technology. However, more regulatory permits will be needed for the VRIICU before it can be sold in the US, and the companies expect a US launch in January.
DeepBreeze has a second VRI device for pulmonary imaging at clinics, which it plans to market independently.
DeepBreeze president and CEO Dr. Igal Kushnir says that GE Healthcare controls about 80% of the market for artificial respirators for operating theaters and 15-20% of the market for respirators for ICUs. The company’s VRI device is suitable for all type of artificial respirators.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on October 8, 2007
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