Physio-Control Acquires Jolife AB
We are pleased to announce Physio-Control, Inc. has acquired privately-held Jolife AB, developer and manufacturer the LUCASTM Chest Compression System.
Prior to completion of the acquisition, Physio-Control had been the exclusive distribution partner for the LUCAS device since 2004. Acquiring Jolife offers Physio-Control the opportunity to lead the automated chest compression device market and take the lead on continued development of future devices. Terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.
The Jolife acquisition augments Physio-Control's existing emergency medical response technologies and complements the company's expertise in defibrillation solutions. Other recent moves, including strategic partnerships with BeneChill (therapeutic hypothermia), AirStrip Technologies (remote patient monitoring applications) and SonoSite (point of care ultrasound), serves to offer customers with a diverse set of solutions to meet their unique requirements and differentiate Physio-Control as a leader in the emergency response industry.
About LUCAS Chest Compression System
LUCAS is designed to provide effective, consistent and uninterrupted compressions in accordance with recommendations in the American Heart Association/European Resuscitation Council (AHA/ERC) Guidelines. It helps reduce hands-off intervals in treating patients, maintains high quality compressions, and allows manual defibrillation while the patient simultaneously receives mechanical external chest compressions. LUCAS is easy to use, maintain and carry to the patient, and offers the following additional advantages:
- Enables hands-free compressions so the responder can focus on other lifesaving therapies, such as medication, ventilation and defibrillation, and to think ahead in planning the patient's care
- Makes effective chest compressions possible across the continuum of care and reduces the impact of extenuating circumstances on the quality of chest compressions, such as transport conditions, rescuer fatigue and rescuer experience level
- Enhances the safety of the care provider by enabling rescuers to sit, wearing seatbelts during transport, rather than standing to provide compressions in a moving vehicle
- LUCAS is primarily radiotranslucent (except for the hood and piston) and allows for coronary angiography or angioplasty in the cath lab during ongoing compressions. In the hospital, cath lab personnel can remain at a safe distance from x-ray exposure while the device provides mechanical chest compressions during cath lab procedures.
- Two versions of the system are available: LUCAS 1 is air powered and LUCAS 2 is battery powered. LUCAS 2 is the first electric chest compression device that can also be operated via AC or DC power.
Additional information about LUCAS can be found at www.checkoutthefuture.com/lucas.
About Jolife AB
Founded in Sweden in 2000, Jolife AB develops and manufactures the LUCAS chest compression system. Jolife works closely with leading physicians and paramedics and is committed to research and development in order to continue to offer innovative products. The LUCAS chest compression system is sold in the major world markets.
About Physio-Control
Physio-Control, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Medtronic, Inc., is located in Redmond, Wash. Physio-Control pioneered defibrillation technology more than 55 years ago. The company is the world's leading external defibrillation/monitoring manufacturer and emergency response technology partner for the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest and other cardiorespiratory emergencies.
To find out more about Physio-Control, please visit www.physio-control.com or call 800/442-1142.
