CareFusion Launches First Automatic Oxygen Controller to Improve Care for Newborns Needing Mechanical Ventilation

SAN DIEGO, June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CareFusion (NYSE: CFN), a leading, global medical device company today announced the launch of its Closed Loop Controller of Inspired Oxygen system or "CLiO2™," the first automatic oxygen controller of its kind designed to keep the oxygen level in the blood within a safe range for newborns needing mechanical ventilation. This new software algorithm is an enhancement to the CareFusion AVEA™ ventilator, one of the leading ventilators in the world.  

"Traditionally, newborns' ventilation and oxygen levels are constantly monitored and adjusted by the hospital staff," said Dr. Sithembiso Velaphi, MBChB, FCPaeds head of the division of Neonatology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. "By automating this process, the CLiO2 system has allowed us to give better care more easily and safely to these newborns."

The CLiO2 system noninvasively and continuously measures the oxygen level in a newborn's blood using Masimo SET® Measure-Through Motion and Low Perfusion pulse oximetry technology to provide accurate and reliable oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurements, even under challenging clinical conditions. The CLiO2 system processes blood oxygen saturation levels by a computer algorithm that then anticipates trends and modifies the amount of oxygen delivered. If necessary, adjustments can be made on a second to second basis, something not currently possible with manual control.

"If oxygen levels become either too high or too low for premature babies on ventilation they are at risk for serious complications, such as permanent eye or chronic lung damage," said Dr. Steven M. Donn, professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at the University of Michigan Health System. "I have been very impressed with how much more stable oxygen levels become with the CLiO2 system compared to what we've used in the past."

"We built the CLiO2 system to address a worldwide medical need to improve the way newborns are cared for in hospitals," said David Schlotterbeck, chairman and CEO at CareFusion. "We hope this system will help reduce complications associated with newborns needing mechanical ventilation and can free up time for clinicians to better care for some of their most vulnerable patients."    

The CLiO2 system is currently available in most Western Europe and Asian countries through CareFusion and its authorized distributors, with future availability in the U.S. and Canada.

About CareFusion Corporation

CareFusion (NYSE: CFN) is a global corporation serving the health care industry with products and services that help hospitals measurably improve the safety and quality of care. The company develops market-leading technologies including Alaris® IV pumps, Pyxis® automated dispensing and patient identification systems, AVEA®, AirLife™ and LTV® series ventilation and respiratory products, ChloraPrep® products, MedMined™ services for infection surveillance, NeuroCare neurological monitoring and diagnostic products, V. Mueller® surgical instruments, and an extensive line of products that support interventional medicine. CareFusion employs more than 15,000 people across its global operations. More information may be found at www.carefusion.com.

SOURCE CareFusion