Deltex Medical Regulatory News (DEMG)

31 Aug 2006 07:01

Deltex Medical Group PLC31 August 2006 Deltex Medical Group plc Major new trial shows CardioQTM reducing duration of hospital stays by one third 31 August 2006 Deltex Medical Group plc ('Deltex Medical' or the 'Company'), theUK's leading haemodynamic monitoring company, announces the publication today,in the British Journal of Surgery, of the results of a major new clinical trialusing its CardioQ oesophageal Doppler monitors. The study conducted at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle demonstrated that incases where doctors used Deltex Medical's CardioQ treatment during surgery tohelp better maintain fluid balance and blood circulation, those patientssuffered fewer complications and were fit for discharge three days sooner thanthose who did not receive the treatment. Specifically, the study's main findings showed that patients using CardioQ: •Were fit for discharge three days sooner (6 days versus 9 days); •Were actually discharged from hospital two days sooner (7 days versus 9 days); •Suffered significantly fewer post-operative complications (2% of patients versus 15%); •Did not require unplanned intensive care (0% versus 11% of patients in the control group); and •Tolerated food significantly earlier (2 days versus 4 days after surgery). The double-blinded prospective randomised controlled trial followed 108 patientsundergoing bowel surgery. Patients being treated under the guidance of theCardioQ monitor were, on average, fit for discharge after six days and actuallydischarged after seven days. Patients where the CardioQ was not used were, onaverage, fit for discharge after nine days, three days longer. They wereactually discharged after nine days, two days longer. Comparison between today's study and recent NHS data on outcome following majorbowel surgery shows that the average length of stay for patients treated at theFreeman Hospital using the CardioQ is almost half that of the NHS average; 7days compared with 15 days. A day in an NHS general or surgical ward costs up to£400 a day, depending on additional care required; in an intensive care unit itcosts £1,200 or more according to the Department of Health published HealthcareResource Groups (HRGs) reference cost data. The potential productivity gains andfinancial savings to the NHS from reducing the length of hospital stay are huge. Use of the CardioQ has been proven to reduce length of hospital stay in numerousdifferent surgical specialities including orthopaedic, colorectal, cardiac andgeneral surgery. In evidence submitted to the Health Select Committee on June2006, the Improving Surgical Outcomes Group (ISOG) estimated that up to onemillion NHS patients a year could benefit from being treated under the guidanceof the CardioQ during surgery. If all NHS patients having major surgery weretreated with the CardioQ, the NHS could save between £350 million and £1 billiona year, according to ISOG evidence. Mr Alan Horgan, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at the Freeman Hospital, leader ofthe study said: "These results are remarkable. Everyone involved in surgery and NHS managementshould read this study. "Fluid-balance during and after surgery is incredibly important to patientwellbeing. Being able to monitor and maintain balance more accurately withCardioQ has allowed us to take days off patient recovery time. We have proventhat it is possible to save the NHS both time and money, while also enhancingpatient care." Deltex Medical's chief executive, Andy Hill, commented: "CardioQ has now been proven to work in seven independent randomised controlledclinical trials. This study has shown once again that it benefits patients andcan deliver dramatic improvements to hospital productivity and financialefficiency. "In the current climate of financial deficits, embracing this technology shouldbe a no-brainer for the NHS. Fantastic results like this confirm once more thatNHS Trusts can both save money and improve patient care through prioritising theadoption of our technology. We are working with large numbers of doctorsthroughout the UK who are seeking the necessary funding to use the CardioQ as astandard of care and we expect that this study will allow them to push harderthan ever before to secure that funding." For further information, please contact:- Deltex Medical Group plc 01243 774 837Nigel Keen, Nigel Chairman nigel.keen@deltexmedical.comAndy Hill, Chief Executive andy.hill@deltexmedical.comEwan Phillips, Finance Director ewan.Phillips@deltexmedical.com Gavin Anderson & Company 0207 554 1400Deborah Walter dwalter@gavinanderson.co.ukMarie Cairney mcairney@gavinanderson.co.ukJodie Reilly jreilly@gavinanderson.co.uk Charles Stanley Securities 020 7149 6457Philip Davies philip.davies@csysecurities.com Notes for Editors Deltex Medical manufactures and markets the CardioQ monitor, which usesdisposable ultra-sound probes inserted into the oesophagus to determine theamount of blood being pumped around the body - 'circulating blood volume'.Reduced circulating blood volume is known as hypovolaemia, which leads toinsufficient oxygen being delivered to the organs. This causes medicalcomplications including peripheral and major organ failure which can lead todeath. Hypovolaemia, which is akin to severe dehydration, affects virtuallyevery patient having surgery because of the combined effects of pre-operativestarvation, the impact of the anaesthetic agents and trauma from the surgeryitself. Using fluids and drugs, guided by the CardioQ, to optimise the amount ofcirculating blood significantly reduces post-operative complications allowingpatients to make a faster, more complete recovery and return home earlier. The CardioQ incorporates the Company's proprietary software and a smalldiameter, easy-to-use, minimally invasive, disposable oesophageal probe that isused for transmitting and receiving an ultra-sound signal. By using thistechnology, the CardioQ provides clinicians with the ability to haemodynamicallyoptimise critically ill patients and those undergoing routine moderate to majorsurgery through the controlled administration of fluid and drugs. Haemodynamicoptimisation has been scientifically proven to improve the speed and quality ofpatient recovery and reduce hospital stay. There are already over 1,250 CardioQs currently in use in hospitals worldwideand distribution arrangements are in place in over 30 countries. In addition,there are currently more than 90 clinical publications on the use of the CardioQwhich have repeatedly:- •Validated the results of the Monitor against known standards for measuring cardiac output, demonstrating that the technology works •Proved that the CardioQ works in a wide range of surgical procedures •Demonstrated that the Company's technology provides significant health and economic benefits by helping to reduce post-operative complications and length of hospital stays by an average of 30 to 40 per cent for a wide range of patients. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange