Novalung GmbH, the German manufacturer of the world's leading therapeutic system for extrapulmonary lung support, has signed an exclusive agreement with Tau Medical Supplies for the distribution of the iLA Membrane Ventilator® lung support system in South Africa.
Dr. Georg Matheis, CEO of Novalung GmbH, noted: "We have seen the increasing need for application of the iLA Membrane Ventilator® in South Africa to support patients with acute and chronic lung failure. We are very pleased that we could appoint Tau Medical as exclusive distributor." The iLA Membrane Ventilator® supports the lung by removing carbon dioxide directly from the blood, thus reducing the work load for the patient's own lung and permitting adequate ventilation irrespective of lung function.
Tau Medical was chosen by Novalung due to their experience with innovative medical procedures and their reputation for excellence in customer support. "The iLA Membrane Ventilator® is a perfect addition to our current range of products" said Alan Sussman, CEO of Tau Medical. "As the iLA Membrane Ventilator® enables an innovative therapy approach, a clinical team with 24/7 availability is essential for a successful introduction. Tau Medical Supplies provides expertise, training and education that meet the above criteria."
Immediately after signing the distributor contract a group of physicians from South Africa was trained at the Novalung Academy in Germany. Shortly thereafter the first patients suffering from chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and recuperating after lung transplantation were able to benefit from this innovative technology. One patient who had been hospitalized at the renowned Glynnwood Hospital due to an exacerbation of her chronic lung disease was treated with the iLA Membrane Ventilator® because she couldn't be weaned off the mechanical ventilator. The attending physician Dr. Gerry Carpatos stated: "The patient had an excellent response, with good carbon dioxide removal so that the patient could be woken up." The cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Steve Davies, affirmed: "After a few hours we saw a significant improvement. The patient was communicating, talking to her family and able to have supper." In another patient with severe COPD, Dr. Carpatos stated: "After three unsuccessful weaning attempts the iLA Membrane Ventilator was applied, and it was then possible to wean and extubate the patient, who is now convalescing at home. This patient would have undoubtedly succumbed to ventilator associated pneumonia. There is no doubt that the iLA Membrane Ventilator® has therefore been a life saving device in this instance."
Dr. Georg Matheis, CEO of Novalung GmbH, noted: "We have seen the increasing need for application of the iLA Membrane Ventilator® in South Africa to support patients with acute and chronic lung failure. We are very pleased that we could appoint Tau Medical as exclusive distributor." The iLA Membrane Ventilator® supports the lung by removing carbon dioxide directly from the blood, thus reducing the work load for the patient's own lung and permitting adequate ventilation irrespective of lung function.
Tau Medical was chosen by Novalung due to their experience with innovative medical procedures and their reputation for excellence in customer support. "The iLA Membrane Ventilator® is a perfect addition to our current range of products" said Alan Sussman, CEO of Tau Medical. "As the iLA Membrane Ventilator® enables an innovative therapy approach, a clinical team with 24/7 availability is essential for a successful introduction. Tau Medical Supplies provides expertise, training and education that meet the above criteria."
Immediately after signing the distributor contract a group of physicians from South Africa was trained at the Novalung Academy in Germany. Shortly thereafter the first patients suffering from chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and recuperating after lung transplantation were able to benefit from this innovative technology. One patient who had been hospitalized at the renowned Glynnwood Hospital due to an exacerbation of her chronic lung disease was treated with the iLA Membrane Ventilator® because she couldn't be weaned off the mechanical ventilator. The attending physician Dr. Gerry Carpatos stated: "The patient had an excellent response, with good carbon dioxide removal so that the patient could be woken up." The cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Steve Davies, affirmed: "After a few hours we saw a significant improvement. The patient was communicating, talking to her family and able to have supper." In another patient with severe COPD, Dr. Carpatos stated: "After three unsuccessful weaning attempts the iLA Membrane Ventilator was applied, and it was then possible to wean and extubate the patient, who is now convalescing at home. This patient would have undoubtedly succumbed to ventilator associated pneumonia. There is no doubt that the iLA Membrane Ventilator® has therefore been a life saving device in this instance."
