Coordinated Care Management

June 28, 2012

MicroMed, with Numerex's Help, Wins Gold Value Chain Award for Remote Monitoring LVAD Solution



Numerex Corp, a provider of secure machine-to-machine (M2M) products and services, announced its technology helped MicroMed win a Gold Value Chain Award at the annual Value Chain Awards Gala at the Connected World Conference in June.

MicroMed won the award working with Numerex for a custom cellular device-network-application (DNA) device that gives cardiac patients more mobility while still being monitored.

MicroMed Cardiovascular chose to partner with Numerex to develop a DNA solution for remote monitoring into its Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) controller, using Numerex's M2M technology. Together, the companies’ solution allows for continuous device telemetry reporting on a 24/7 basis.

An LVAD is a mechanical pump implanted in the chest to help a weakened heart pump blood.

MicroMed’s "Conquest Controller” reportedly uses Numerex connectivity and the Numerex FAST application platform.

Because the new MicroMed solution no longer requires a patient to plug his/her controller into an attendant unit via a wired connection, patients have increased mobility and care-givers have better and more timely information about the performance of the LVAD device.

In 2008, just over 600,000 people died of heart disease in the U.S. Heart disease caused almost 25 percent of deaths – almost one in every four. Heart disease is the number-one killer of both men and women. But more than half the deaths due to heart disease in 2008 were in men.

"We are very pleased and honored to have been distinguished by Connected World magazine along with our quality partners in the healthcare category this year," said Michael Marett, chief revenue officer at Numerex. "As this award demonstrates, we remain focused on developing M2M solutions that are innovative and competitive."

According to Simon Maybaum, MD, recent estimates have put the number of patients with advanced heart failure who might benefit from cardiac replacement at 200,000. Yet heart transplants are available for only about 2,000 patients each year. The LVAD may be a good alternative.




Edited by Braden Becker
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