Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Achieves Breakthrough in Breathing Circuit Technology


Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited (NZX:FPH. ASX:FPH) announced today that it is introducing revolutionary new breathing circuit technology into its international markets.  Introduction in the United States is expected to follow once FDA clearance has been obtained.

In what is believed to be a world first, the company has developed permeable tubing which allows water vapour exhaled by patients on artificial ventilation to evaporate into the surrounding air, rather than condense into liquid water which can build up in the breathing circuit or ventilator.

Michael Daniell, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s Chief Executive Officer, says the technology, which has been under development for more than three years, has been positively received by customers who have trialled the new breathing circuits in New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

“Dealing with condensed water is one of the problems health professionals face with patients on artificial ventilation in intensive care.  It builds up in the ventilator or in the breathing circuit and has to be removed regularly.  This technology can prevent that occurring.”

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has patent applications in place for the technology in New Zealand, the United States and selected international markets.  The permeable tubing is manufactured at the company’s Auckland facility.

Respiratory humidification is a core product group for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, contributing 49% of revenue in the last financial year.  Within that product group, consumables such as breathing circuits are making a growing contribution to revenue, with each humidifier controller sold generating ongoing revenue from multiple breathing circuit set-ups.

“We’re delighted to be offering our customers this revolutionary technology which we are confident can enhance patient care.  We also believe that this new technology will support our leading position in heated humidification and contribute to continuing international market share gains for our respiratory humidifier systems and associated consumables”, said Mr Daniell.

About Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of heated humidification products and systems for use in respiratory care and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.  It also offers an innovative range of patient warming devices and neonatal care products.  The company’s products are sold in over 90 countries worldwide.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Michael Daniell MD/CEO on +64 9 574 0161 or Tony Barclay CFO on +64 9 574 0119 at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited or by visiting the company’s website at  www.fphcare.com