Originally Published MDDI March 2005
NEWSTRENDS
Continuing the trend of making defibrillators more widely available to the public, Philips Medical Systems (Andover, MA) in January became the first to market a defibrillator over the counter (OTC) to consumers.
The company hopes to make its HeartStart OnSite defibrillator more easily available for the implementation of early defibrillation programs in communities, schools, and businesses. In September 2004, Philips received the first FDA clearance for OTC sales of home-use defibrillators.
“In pursuing our mission to save more lives from sudden cardiac arrest, Philips is committed to making defibrillators broadly accessible, whether in the home or in public settings where people work and play,” said Deborah DiSanzo, vice president and general manager for cardiac resuscitation at Philips. The new OTC offering, she said, “further establishes Philips at the forefront of removing barriers to saving more lives.”
Copyright ©2005 Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry
