PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. -- Intensive care ventilators provide temporary support for critically ill patients who require total or partial assistance to maintain adequate ventilation in the intensive care unit. ECRI (www.ecri.org), an independent, nonprofit health services research agency, recently published its ratings for ten ventilators designed for use in the intensive care unit. The in-depth article in the April 2006 issue of Health Devices journal highlights ECRI's product testing results, and describes the product capabilities and safety features that alert users of potentially dangerous conditions that can help hospitals protect patients.

In this issue, ECRI presents complete product profiles for four newly tested models and updated findings for six previously tested models; products marketed by Draeger Medical, Hamilton Medical, Maquet, Puritan Bennett, Respironics, and Viasys are included. The study focuses on the models for Intensive Care Unit applications and offers purchasing strategies to make the appropriate choice. ECRI identifies key advantages related to alarms and safety mechanisms, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and scope of capabilities and features in treating many patients. ECRI recommends factoring in hospital-specific needs and clinician preferences when making purchasing decisions, as respiratory therapy is a highly individualized practice.

All issues of Health Devices, ECRI's flagship publication for healthcare technology decision makers, include a section derived from ECRI's International Problem Reporting System. Articles in this section cover medical device hazards investigated by ECRI and contain specific recommendations to help healthcare facilities minimize risks. The April 2006 Problem Reporting section contains a Hazard Report that discusses how trailing zeros on bedside monitor drug dose calculators can lead to dangerous overmedication errors.
Health Devices is provided to members of ECRI's Health Devices System, Health Devices Gold, and SELECTplus^TM programs. The April 2006 issue marks the 35th anniversary of the Health Devices journal. There is an editorial that recounts the journey of the publication over the past 35 years and thanks subscribing members for their long-time support. The first Health Devices journal was published in April 1971; that issue included a Guidance article on isolated electrical power centers, Evaluations of manually operated resuscitators and tracheal suction machines, as well as a Hazard Report on defibrillator paddles. Members interested in reviewing these articles can access them in the Health Devices membership area of ECRI's Web site.

Health Devices features comparative, brand-name Evaluations of medical devices and systems based on extensive laboratory testing and clinical studies. ECRI's Evaluations focus on the safety, performance, efficacy, and human factors design of specific medical devices and technologies. Along with ECRI's test results and ratings, published Evaluations include a technology overview, guidance on selecting appropriate devices and using them safely, and discussions of relevant topics, such as cost containment, equipment management, and adherence to standards. Health Devices also features in-depth Guidance articles on healthcare technology management topics.

For information on purchasing single or bulk copies of the April 2006 issue of Health Devices, or for more information about Health Devices System membership, contact ECRI by mail at 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA; by telephone at (610) 825-6000, ext. 5891; by fax at (610) 834-1275; or by visiting www.ecri.org.

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