LIMERICK, Pa., Apr 30, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX) has announced the introduction of Hudson RCI® Softech Plus, a line of oxygen cannulas designed to help clinicians improve patient comfort and reduce DEHP exposure.
When it comes to respiratory care, patients and caregivers around the world look to Hudson RCI for innovative products that provide added safety and comfort. Softech Plus is the ideal choice for comfortable, safe oxygen delivery using an advanced combination of soft, non-DEHP material and improved product design.
The Softech Plus line of adult, pediatric, infant and neonatal oxygen cannulas feature a soft material in both the cannula and the lariat tubing, which runs from the nasal prongs up to, over and around the ear. Softer materials have traditionally only been used for the prongs. By expanding this soft design to the lariat, Hudson RCI delivers a superior cannula which will improve comfort around the patient's ears.
This new line of cannulas also features a non-DEHP material. Traditional nasal cannulas are commonly made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is durable, inexpensive and easily manufactured. However, the use of PVC in cannula manufacturing requires the addition of plasticizers to make the material more pliable. DEHP (di(2 ethylhexyl)phthalate) is the most often used plasticizer in PVC products.
Studies with laboratory animals have shown that exposure to DEHP may produce a range of effects. Thus, the subject of DEHP and its potential health risks is being debated based on the possibility of plasticizers leaching from PVC.1,2,3
"Softech Plus will help clinicians reduce DEHP exposure, improve patient comfort, and enhance the quality of care," said Cary Vance, President, Teleflex Anesthesia and Respiratory. "It's a novel solution that supports the Teleflex mission to provide products that enhance clinical benefits, improve patient safety and reduce total procedural costs."
About Teleflex Incorporated
Teleflex is a leading global provider of specialty medical devices for a range of procedures in critical care and surgery. Our mission is to provide solutions that enable healthcare providers to improve outcomes and enhance patient and provider safety. Headquartered in Limerick, PA, Teleflex employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide and serves healthcare providers in more than 130 countries. Additional information about Teleflex can be obtained from the company's website at teleflex.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on our management's current beliefs and expectations, but are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances, which may cause actual results or company actions to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by these statements. These risks and uncertainties are identified and described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Softech, Hudson RCI and Teleflex are trademarks or registered trademarks of Teleflex Incorporated or its affiliates. (C)2012 Teleflex Incorporated. Lit. No. 2011-0555.
References:
- Rank J. Classification and Risk Assessment of Chemicals: The CASE of DEHP in light of REACH.
The Journal of Transdisciplinary Environment Studies. 2005; 4(3): ISSN 1602-2297 http://www.journal-tes.dk/vol_4_no_3/no2_hoj.pdf
- European Commission Health & Consumer Protection Directorate-General. Opinion On Medical Devices Containing DEHP Plasticised PVC; Neonates and Other Groups Possible at Risk from DEHP Toxicity. The Scientific Committee on Medicinal Products and Medical Devices. September 26, 2002. http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scmp/out43_en.pdf
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Safety Assessment of Di(2-ethylehexyl)phthalate (DEHP) Released from PVC Medical Devices." FDA. http://www.fda.gove/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/UCM080457.pdf
SOURCE: Teleflex Incorporated
Teleflex Incorporated
Jake Elguicze
Treasurer and Vice President Investor Relations
610-948-2836