ArjoHuntleigh and Ossur Formalize Distribution Agreement to Deliver DVTCare at Home Program

ADDISON, Ill., Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ossur, a leading global provider of non-invasive orthopedic and prosthetic devices, and ArjoHuntleigh, a leading manufacturer of medical devices, have formalized a distribution agreement to deliver DVT prevention to patients after hospital discharge. ArjoHuntleigh's program will utilize Ossur's  new DVTCare^TM system.  The agreement marks the launch of the companies' comprehensive DVTCare at Home program, which is intended to help reduce patients' risk of developing deep-vein thromboses (DVTs) by using Ossur's unique, portable compression device following their hospital discharge.

"We are pleased to be partnering with ArjoHuntleigh, a recognized market leader in acute care DVT prevention," said Olafur Glyfson, President of Ossur Americas.  "This partnership enables us to provide our new DVT prevention system to more patients, and should ultimately lead to both improved clinical outcomes and reduced healthcare costs."

Each year, an estimated two million Americans are diagnosed with DVTs, a common but serious medical condition caused by the formation of blood clots in patients' lower limbs. ¹ The most serious side effect of DVTs is pulmonary embolism, a deadly condition that often requires extensive patient care and re-hospitalization, and ultimately claims an estimated 300,000 U.S. lives annually. ²

"We are very excited about the launch of the DVTCare at Home Program, which extends ArjoHuntleigh's VTE prevention expertise into the post-acute care setting," said Brian Straeb, Vice President of Marketing for ArjoHuntleigh USA.  ArjoHuntleigh's Flowtron® Active Compression Systems are among the most frequently utilized to reduce the risk of thrombus formation in hospitalized patients.

Clinical Bodies, Medicare Encourage DVT Prevention
Ossur's new DVTCare system has been designed to help reduce a patient's risk of developing a DVT when they are at home and most vulnerable after discharge.  Elderly patients, and those who have undergone orthopedic surgery, chemotherapy treatment, or otherwise experienced extended periods of immobility are considered among the greatest at-risk for developing DVTs. 

Major clinical bodies have also recognized that inappropriate inpatient and post-discharge care may further increase an individual's risk for developing DVTs.  The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently classified DVTs as a "never event," considering them a serious and preventable hospital-acquired adverse outcome.  Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) recommend post-discharge use of newer battery-powered Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices (IPCDs), such as the DVTCare system, to manage patient's DVT risk.

About Ossur
Ossur (NASDAQ OMX: OSSR) is a global leader in non-invasive orthopedics that help people live a life without limitations.  Its business is focused on improving people's mobility through the delivery of innovative technologies within the fields of braces, supports, prosthetic limbs and compression therapy.  A recognized "Technology Pioneer", Ossur invests significantly in research and product development; its award-winning designs ensuring a consistently strong position in the market.   Successful patient and clinical outcomes are further empowered via Ossur's educational programs and business solutions.  Headquartered in Iceland, Ossur has major operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, with additional distributors worldwide. www.ossur.com

About ArjoHuntleigh
ArjoHuntleigh, a member of the Getinge AB Group, is a leading global provider of equipment and systems that contribute to quality enhancement and cost efficiency within healthcare and life sciences. Equipment, service and technologies are supplied under the brands ArjoHuntleigh for patient handling and hygiene, disinfection, DVT prevention, medical beds, therapeutic surfaces and diagnostics, GETINGE for infection control and prevention within healthcare and life science and MAQUET for surgical work places, cardiopulmonary and critical care. ArjoHuntleigh offers a broad range of integrated solutions for the care of people with reduced mobility and related conditions, with the aim to enhance the quality of care in elderly care facilities, hospitals and other healthcare environments. More information about ArjoHuntleigh can be found at www.ArjoHuntleigh.com.

Contact:
Chris Ryan, Senior Marketing Manager
ArjoHuntleigh
630.785.4537
[email protected]

¹ Hirsh, J and Hoak, J. Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Council on Thrombosis (in Consultation With the Council on Cardiovascular Radiology), American Heart Association. Circulation. 1996; 93: 2212-2245.

² Tapson VF. Acute pulmonary embolism. N Engl J Med. Mar 6 2008; 358(10):1037-52.

SOURCE ArjoHuntleigh