ARGUS Pro LifeCare

ARGUS Pro LifeCare, enjoy the power of lightweight patient monitoring in emergency care.

One of the most powerful intensive care patient monitors goes mobile - with defibrillator and transcutaneous pacemaker!

Whatever the requirement - emergency care, inter-hospital or in-house patient transfer. The ARGUS Pro LifeCare assists you without compromise. All this power in a unique, compact 2.1 kg package.

The ARGUS Pro LifeCare covers:

• Full diagnostic ECG (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF, V1-V6)
• NIBP
• SpO2 with plethysmogram
• etCO2 with capnogram
• 2 temperatures
• 2 invasive blood pressures
• Defibrillator with AED and MANUAL mode
• Extremely gentle defibrillation energy using Multipulse Biowave® (biphasic pulsed defibrillation impulse, patented)
• Transcutaneous pacemaker

The bright, clear 4.8″ screen can display 3 waveforms with 7 parameter measurements providing a complete patient overview. All acquired data, including voice recording, is stored by the ARGUS Pro LifeCare for later external review or case analysis. The combination of SCHILLER Multipulse Biowave® AED/manual defibrillator, pacemaker and monitoring functions is unique and opens many new horizons in emergency care and hospital applications.

ARGUS PRO LifeCare can additionally be used in combination with the ARGUS Pro Transport monitor to provide the full range of patient monitoring.

Optional:

• Shock frame with rescue bag and handle
• etCO2 mainstream sensor
• External thermal 3-channel printer
• ARGUS PRO LifeCare charging unit
• Full range patient monitoring with ARGUS PRO Transport

Defigard 5000

The Defigard 5000 combines the efficacy of a pulsed biphasic defibrillator (Multipulse Biowave) with precision monitoring on the largest colour screen available on the world market. The big screen size (10.4″) of the DEFIGARD 5000 allows the simultaneous display of up to 12 ECG leads. The navigation button and direct softkeys give you a quick access to all parameters and menus and make the device extremely user-friendly and easy to use.

Defibrillation:

• Using paddles, pads or internal spoons
• Maximum efficiency thanks to Multipulse Biowave technology

Optional semi-automatic defibrillation mode (AED):

• Automatic adaptation of the energy level when paediatric electrodes are connected

Optional external pacemaker:

• 3 pacing modes: Fix, Demand, Overdrive (frequency x 3)

The adhesive pads for defibrillation and pacing are the same, and are also compatible with the SCHILLER FRED easy and DEFIGARD 6002.

Monitoring options:

• ECG: simultaneous display of up to 12 leads
• SpO2 measurement using Masimo™ sensor: automatic measurement and plethysmogram as soon as the cable is connected
• NIBP: adult and paediatric; the last 4 measurements are displayed on the screen

Printer options:

• Possibility to print up to 12 ECG leads, SpO2 curve, tabular trends, and the defibrillator test result
• 3 channels; paper width: 80 mm

Power supply:

• Mains, battery (autonomy can be doubled by the addition of a second battery) or an external power supply unit

Defigard 4000

Defigard 4000 – most user-friendly defibrillator and monitor with an excellent price / performance ratio

Developed for pre-hospital emergencies, the DG4000 is also perfect for intra-hospital use.

A single button gives access to all major functions:

• Energy selection in manual mode
• Pacemaker
• AED

The DG4000 features Multipulse Biowave® technology with energy settings ranging from 2 to 200 joules.

It comes in two types, with paddles or pads, both with a bright and clear display, a 3-lead ECG cable and mains or battery supply.

Features:

• Manual or semi-automatic defibrillation
• ECG
• USB interface for data transfer from the internal memory and software updates

In addition, the following options are available:

• SpO2
• Pacemaker
• Printer
• GSM data transmission
• AED mode (for units with pads)

The compact size of DG4000 makes it the ideal device for any emergency!

Cardiovit AT-101 easy

The world’s first ECG device with integrated defibrillator, for mobile use!

“Time is life!”

Features:

• Direct keys for the important functions
• Manual mode as a standard
• ECG measurement software
• Various user-programmable report formats on internal or external printer
• Interface to PC
• Voice Prompt
• Extremely gentle defibrillation energy using Multipulse Biowave® (biphasic pulsed defibrillation impulse, patented)

Options:

• Memory
• Automatic ECG measurement and computer-aided ECG interpretation for pediatric and adult ECG’s
• Thrombolysis recommendation software
• SEMA data management PC software

FRED

In the air, on the ground or at sea, the FRED® defibrillator (First Responder External Defibrillator) is at your disposal in an emergency. With its numerous functions, this device is key in the chain of survival, and can be operated by anyone trained in the use of defibrillators.

FRED® offers many features and options in a small, light-weight case, such as:

• Extremely gentle defibrillation energy using Multipulse Biowave® (biphasic pulsed defibrillation impulse, patented)
• Easy to operate
• Quick charging time: <10 seconds
• User-friendly LCD with 180° rotation
• Power supply: Rechargeable NiCd battery or Lithium cell
• Visible and audible text instructions
• 3 pre-selected energy sequences

Options:

• Manual mode
• ECG cable
• ECG display
• SpO2
• Communication via GSM or land line

FRED easy

semi-automatic / automatic / Ethernet

The semi-automatic defibrillator FRED® easy makes resuscitation even simpler and more effective thanks to the efficient and myocardium-saving defibrillation impulse called Multipulse Biowave®. It represents the perfect device for healthcare professionals and general public alike (PAD).

The automatic defibrillator FRED® easy makes defibrillation simple and accessible for the general public. In contrast to a semi-automatic AED, the fully automatic FRED® easy not only recommends but also delivers the shock automatically (after warning the user audibly and via displayed text and orange warning light).

FRED® easy Ethernet is an external defibrillator, available in semi-automatic or automatic mode, that can transmit data taken during an intervention of a patient. Both intervention data and the device settings can be sent to a server via an Ethernet network. Transmission is easy, fast and safe. The data is stored centrally for direct access by authorised persons from any computer connected to the network. This system considerably simplifies the handling of medical and administrative patient data (no paper, no memory card).

SCHILLER FRED® easy combines the following advantages and options:

• Extremely gentle defibrillation energy using Multipulse Biowave® (biphasic pulsed defibrillation impulse, patented)
• Easy to operate
• Quick charging time: <10 seconds
• User-friendly LCD screen (text instructions, ECG curve optional)
• Visible and audible text instructions
• Standard energy settings or other energy values freely configurable
• ECG, voice and event recording
• High performance Lithium cell or NiCd rechargeable battery

Optional ECG display, and Manual mode

FRED easy Online

A new concept of use for AED’s

Across the world, all public places like schools, companies, airports, sports arenas, shopping centres, but also hospitals, rescue services and fire departments face tremendous challenges in providing excellent security and first aid for a large number of people.

With SCHILLER’s new concept of networking AED’s there is a unique solution available to solve networking issues in a customized and secure way.

FRED® easy Online is an AED that is permanently connected to a network, available in semi-automatic or fully automatic mode. All AED’s connected are under full control at all times and can be directly managed from a central station.

The AED defibrillators can be connected to a server by ethernet cables or wireless (Wifi). As soon as a technical failure is detected, or a device is taken from its docking station, the information is immediately available on the server and an automatic alarm can be programmed (SMS, Phone-call, etc.) to for ex. the closest rescue services.

Key advantages:

• Easy real-time monitoring of the FRED® easy Online pool (one person manages an unlimited number of devices from a central station)
• Early warning capabilities (by SMS, Phone-call, etc.)
• Easy, quick and secure data transfer
• Centralized data
• Multi-users access to the data

Full control for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year of:

• Defibrillator connection (by automatic alarm-signal)
• Level of battery in real time (by automatic alarm-signal)
• Self test results in real time
• Settings of each defibrillator
• Software update and settings adjustment

When an intervention takes place, the data (ECG, events, etc.) is automatically sent to the server as soon as the AED is placed back on its docking station.

External power supply by:

• Power over Ethernet (PoE)
• Standalone power supply

FRED easyport

The world’s first pocket defibrillator

A Swiss Precision Masterpiece: The new external defibrillator is so small and light that it fits in every coat pocket and every doctor´s bag, and still meets all requirements of a modern AED (Automatic External Defibrillator):

• Ultra light – only 490 grams (incl. batteries)
• Ultra small – 133 x 126 x 35 mm (l x w x h)
• High-resolution LCD
• Biphasic pulsed defibrillation impulse (Multipulse Biowave® )
• Configurable adult and pediatric energy settings according to standard values
• Automatic switch to pediatric energy level, when pediatric electrodes are plugged in

CPR / AED Awareness Week

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Each year, about 310,000 coronary heart disease deaths occur out-of-hospital or in emergency departments in the United States. Of those deaths, about 166,200 are due to sudden cardiac arrest – nearly 450 per day.

• Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. Many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors.
• Sudden cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when electrical impulses in the heart become rapid or chaotic, which causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked. A heart attack may cause cardiac arrest.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Less than one-third of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR.
• Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.
• The American Heart Association trains more than 10 million people in CPR annually, including health professionals and members of the general public.
• The most effective rate for chest compressions is 100 compressions per minute – the same rhythm as the beat of the BeeGee’s song, “Stayin’ Alive.”

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

• Unless CPR and defibrillation are provided within minutes of collapse, few attempts at resuscitation are successful.
• Even if CPR is performed, defibrillation with an AED is required to stop the abnormal rhythm and restore a normal heart rhythm.
• New technology has made AEDs simple and user-friendly. Clear audio and visual cues tell users what to do when using an AED and coach people through CPR. A shock is delivered only if the victim needs it.
• AEDs are now widely available in public places such as schools, airports and workplaces.

CPR/AED Awareness Survey

• Eighty-nine percent of respondents said they were willing and able to do something to help if they witnessed a medical emergency.
• Few Americans (12%-20%) are confident that they would know when it is appropriate to perform CPR or use an AED.
• At most, roughly four in ten are extremely or very likely to perform CPR on an adult (39%) or child (37%) they know personally.
• Less than 17 percent of Americans believe they are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
• The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Heart Association between January 8, 2008 and January 21, 2008 among 1,132 U.S. residents aged 18 and older.

Public Policy for CPR/AEDs

The American Heart Association supports state public policy initiatives that:

• Promote the access and use of AEDs and establish quality AED programs in high-risk locations
• Encourage bystander CPR and CPR training for professionals who may need to respond to medical emergencies
• Promote increased quality and appropriate use of 9-1-1 systems
• Extend Good Samaritan legal liability protection to all users of AEDs

The American Heart Association also supports increased funding for the Rural and Community Access to Emergency Devices Program, which gives communities funding to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in rural areas and trains lay rescuers and first responders to use AEDs.

How’s your CPR?

Most Americans don’t believe they could perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to help save a life in a cardiac emergency, according to a recent American Heart Association survey.

In an online survey of more than 1,100 adults, 89 percent said they were willing and able to do something to help if they witnessed a medical emergency. Yet only 21 percent were confident they could perform CPR, and only 15 percent believed they could use an AED in an emergency. More than half of those surveyed didn’t recognize an AED in a typical setting. Survey respondents reported lack of confidence, concern about legal consequences and fear of hurting a victim as reasons they would not take action in a cardiac emergency.

The American Heart Association released the survey results as part of the inaugural National CPR/AED Awareness Week, June 1-7. The intent of the week is to encourage the public to get CPR training and learn how to use an AED to reduce death and disability from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Unfortunately, only about six percent of out-of-hospital SCA victims survive. Without immediate, effective CPR, the chance of surviving out-of-hospital SCA decreases seven to 10 percent per minute. Even if CPR is performed, defibrillation with an AED is required to stop the abnormal rhythm and restore a normal heart rhythm.

“We think it’s critical for people to get CPR training and learn how to use an AED,” said Lance Becker, M.D., professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and spokesperson for the American Heart Association. “CPR and AED use are inextricably linked in the SCA survival chain, and it’s crucial that bystanders take rapid action. If more people are trained and respond, we can save thousands more lives.”

The American Heart Association provides classroom CPR and AED instruction, as well as a self-paced CPR Anytime Kit that includes an inflatable manikin and instructional DVD. The association’s adult Hands-OnlyTM CPR educates untrained people to call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast on the center of an adult SCA victim’s chest until help arrives.

Designed to be simple and intuitive, AEDs are available in many public places such as schools, airports and workplaces and will guide the user through the process with clear, calm voice cues. The devices are strategically deployed and maintained to ensure that they are ready in a medical emergency, and will not deliver a shock unless a shockable rhythm is detected.

“There’s no reason for people to be afraid to act,” Becker said. “We want people to feel confident that whatever action they choose — whether using an AED or performing conventional CPR or adult Hands-Only CPR — they are doing something to help, which could be a lifesaving decision.”

SCA survivor Jenifer Fergusson knows first hand about the importance of people taking action. The New York native suffered an SCA at work when two coworkers immediately came to her aid. Due to their quick actions, Jenifer survived her cardiac event.

“My coworkers are true heroes,” she said. “I’m so grateful they had the skills and courage to perform CPR and use a defibrillator when I went into cardiac arrest. Thankfully, my company had an AED onsite. If my colleagues hadn’t acted or the AED was not available, I might not be here today.”

Other results from the survey include:

High BP? AHA says monitor it!

People with hypertension should routinely monitor their blood pressure at home to help manage the disease, according to a new joint scientific statement from the American Heart Association, American Society of Hypertension and the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses’ Association.

The statement is published online in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, the Journal of the American Society of Hypertension and the Journal of Clinical Hypertension and printed in the June issue of Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing.

“High blood pressure is notoriously difficult to treat to goal – many patients fail to reach target levels despite treatment, and studies show home monitoring can help,” said Thomas G. Pickering, M.D., D.Phil., chair of the statement writing group. “Blood pressure measurement and tracking could be improved with home monitoring by the patients themselves, in much the way people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels with home glucose monitors.”

He said there is strong evidence that the traditional way of measuring blood pressure in adults can be misleading. Studies indicate that between 10 percent and 20 percent of people diagnosed with high blood pressure in the doctor’s office actually have the ‘white coat effect,’ meaning that their pressures are normal under other conditions, but rise in the medical setting.

“It is also believed that some people with normal blood pressures in their doctors’ offices have pressures that spike to potentially dangerous levels in other situations,” said Pickering, director of the Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, N.Y.

According to the statement, home monitoring is particularly useful in the elderly, in whom both blood pressure variability and the white coat effect are increased, as well as in patients with diabetes, patients with kidney disease and in pregnant women.

Pickering noted that because everyone’s blood pressure is highly variable during the day, taking one reading at a doctor’s office every few months doesn’t give a complete picture of a person’s condition. Home monitors can take multiple measurements during each session, and can be used at different times of day. Many monitors also store and average blood pressure readings over time, providing crucial data for patients to take to their physicians so they can work as a team to diagnose and treat the condition. Many types of home monitors are relatively inexpensive at less than $100.

“Home blood pressure monitoring also gives patients the physiologic feedback they need to see regarding blood pressure,” says Nancy Houston Miller, R.N., co-author and former president of the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association. “Rather than three to four office blood pressure checks per year, if they measure blood pressure at home in addition to following up with their healthcare provider, patients are likely to achieve goals more quickly and be confident that medicines are working for them.” She also states that nurses and nurse practitioners have a significant role to play in interpreting data from blood pressure devices and educating patients about needed lifestyle interventions and medications.

“We’re encouraged by this joint statement on the value of home blood pressure monitoring and confident it will be helpful in reducing the incidence of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease,” said Suzanne Oparil, M.D., president of the American Society of Hypertension.

Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack and stroke and controlling it is essential to reducing that risk. The statement writing group said home blood pressure monitoring is evidence-based healthcare that can improve the quality and lower the cost of caring for the 73 million people with hypertension.

Although earlier American Heart Association guidelines have included home monitors, this is the first statement to have detailed recommendations on their use.

• Patients should purchase oscillometric monitors with cuffs that fit on the upper arm. They should use a proper fitting cuff, and ask a healthcare provider the proper way to use the monitors.

• Wrist monitors are NOT recommended.

• Patients should take two or three readings at a time, one minute apart, while resting in a seated position. The arm should be supported, with the upper arm at heart level, and feet on the floor (back supported, legs uncrossed). It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening, or as a healthcare professional recommends.

• Use of a home monitor can confirm suspected or newly diagnosed hypertension and rule out diagnosis for patients whose readings at the doctor’s office don’t reflect their actual pressures over time.

• Home monitoring can be used to evaluate the response to any type of antihypertensive treatment, and to motivate patients to take their medications regularly.

• The target goal for treatment with a home monitor is less than 135/85 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), or less than 130/80 in high-risk patients.

“I hope this leads to a new era in patient-doctor partnerships,” Pickering said. “I think this is a very healthy trend and with a condition like high blood pressure, it really does depend on the patients remembering to change their lifestyles or remembering to take their pills.”

Only a few of the home blood pressure devices on the market have been subjected to proper validation tests such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and British Hypertension Society (BHS) protocols. Several devices have failed the tests. An up-to-date list of validated monitors is available on the BHS Web site, http://www.bhsoc.org/default.stm.

Co-authors include Gbenga Ogedegbe, M.D., M.P.H.; Lawrence R. Krakoff, M.D.; Nancy T. Artinian, Ph.D., R.N.; and David Goff, M.D., Ph.D.

SCHILLER and Ortivus, co-marketing

Ortivus AB and SCHILLER AG join forces within the EMS sector; launches combined product offer and a market co-operation

Baar, 15. Mai 2008, Ortivus AB and Schiller AG have signed a co-marketing agreement to jointly address the EMS (Emergency Medical Service) market. The basis for the agreement is a mutually developed wireless interface between Ortivus pre-hospital information system MobiMed and SCHILLER’s ARGUS PRO LifeCare defibrillator. The combined offer represents a hitherto unparalleled combination of functionality, low weight and flexibility within the EMS sector.

The product offering will be demonstrated at SCHILLER’s booth 1121 G at RettMobil in Fulda, Germany, May 15 -17, 2008.

There is a constantly growing need of ICT solutions including telemedicine, documentation (e.g. DIVI) and information management within the EMS sector. Today Ortivus MobiMed is one of the most comprehensive solutions available addressing these needs. At the same time EMS users also need qualified vital signs monitoring and defibrillation capabilities; functionalities that must be fulfilled without adding unnecessary extra weight on the EMS personnel for instance when working outside the ambulance. Bundled together with MobiMed, and making use of the new mutually developed Bluetooth interface, the SCHILLER ARGUS PRO LifeCare defibrillator will in real-time transfer vital signs to the MobiMed ambulance tablet PC. This unit will in turn analyse, display and transmit the vitals together with for instance electronic patient record data (e.g. DIVI) to hospitals and emergency centres included in the MobiMed network. The defibrillator, including its monitoring facilities, thus becomes a fully integrated part of MobiMed.

To fully leverage on the opportunities brought forward by the combined offering Ortivus and SCHILLER have entered into a co-marketing agreement under which the parties will promote each other’s solutions.

“The interface and the combined offering will bring us into a paradigm shift within EMS. We are combining two state-of-the-art products into one very strong solution. Biphasic defibrillation with external pacing, monitoring, continuous transfer of monitored data, electronic patient record and information management, all at a total weight of less than 4,5 kilos is indeed a very compelling solution. Backed up by the co-marketing agreement we will now be able to address the market even more efficiently ” says Johan Folkunger, VP Sales and Marketing at Ortivus.

”This interface will enable us to offer to customers the complete change of resucitation with seamless integration of inovative products thus providing key benefits for our customers” says Dominik Doppler, VP Sales and Marketing & Business Development at Schiller AG.

About Ortivus :

Ortivus AB is a Healthcare IT company that offers information and decision-making support systems for Healthcare, Emergency Medical Services and Public Safety in Europe and North America. Ortivus AB is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Small Cap list and was established in 1985. Ortivus has approximately 150 employees and subsidiaries in Germany, Great Britain, Canada, and the US. Also visit www.ortivus.com

About SCHILLER :

SCHILLER is a leading international manufacturer and supplier of electrocardiographs, long-term ECG and blood pressure recorders, spirometers, medical IT solutions, patient monitors and external defibrillators. The company was founded by Alfred E. Schiller in 1974. More than 700 employees work for the SCHILLER group in 28 subsidiaries around the world. SCHILLER has subsidiaries providing exclusive service centres in 15 countries and representatives in more than 100 countries worldwide. All shares are owned by the company CEO Alfred E. Schiller. SCHILLER is, and has been fully self- financed for more than 34 years. Also visit www.schiller.ch