Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Begins Pilot Marketing Innovative Humidification System for Laparoscopic Surgery


Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited (NZX:FPH, ASX:FPH) announced today that it had begun pilot marketing, in New Zealand and Australia, an innovative humidification system for use in the rapidly growing field of laparoscopic surgery.

During laparoscopic surgery cold dry carbon dioxide gas continuously flows into the abdominal cavity causing evaporation from the thin layer of serous fluid lining the peritoneum. This results in tissue damage, inflammation and pain due to the degree of dehydration and desiccation.

The MR860 system is designed to humidify the gas to body temperature, saturated with water vapour, to maintain normal physiological conditions within the intra-abdominal cavity throughout the operation. Clinical studies have shown this reduces post operative pain, shortens recovery time and time to return to normal activities, and may lead to a reduction in the risk of other complications such as adhesions and  hypothermia.

The MR860 system includes a humidifier controller and a set of consumables consisting of a humidification chamber, filter and patient connection tubing.  It utilizes patented technologies developed in the company’s world leading respiratory humidification systems.

“We have adapted our sophisticated humidification technology to the growing application of laparoscopic surgery where exciting patient and provider benefits to supplying gases at body temperature, saturated have been shown, and we are currently in the very early stages of market development” said Lewis Gradon, Senior Vice President of Research and Development.

The company estimates that over four million laparoscopic procedures are performed annually worldwide.

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 Lewis Gradon SVP R&D on +64 9 574 0123 ext 8005 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