EUROMED INC. HONORED WITH MEDICAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR CENTRAL CATHETER DRESSING

    /24-7PressRelease/ - NORTHVALE, NJ, May 14, 2007 - EuroMed Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of wound care management products, was recently honored by Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry Magazine (MD&DI) with a Medical Design Excellence Award (MDEA) in the general hospital devices and therapeutic products category for its new SureSkin I.V. Hydrocolloid Dressing for central line use.

EuroMed's SureSkin I.V. Dressing is designed to help protect peripheral intravenous and central catheter insertion sites and assist in securing catheters in place. The dressing's thin hydrocolloid adhesive is gentle even on sensitive skin, can absorb minimal exudates, and allows adhesion to both dry and moist skin surfaces. The transparency of the dressing allows for visualization of the insertion site without the need for removal. The barrier properties of the dressing protect against external contaminants and allow patients to shower. The dressing's enhanced flexibility and conformability enable the dressing to adhere even in difficult anatomical locations for up to seven days, if necessary.

MDEA judges were quick to comment on the user-friendliness of the SureSkin design. "The SureSkin shows the advantages of material integration into a convenient and effective device that is easy to apply and adheres effectively, but removes easily when necessary," noted Craig Jackson, president of Hemosaga Diagnostics, and a member of this year's judging panel.

Fellow juror William Schneeberger, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center added, "I like that it's caregiver inspired. These types of products cost about $3 each and the applier usually has only one chance to get it right. The SureSkin is more forgiving. Even with a little fold in the adhesive, the product can still be used."

Jarl Jensen, CEO and president of EuroMed Inc, stated upon learning of the award, "We are delighted to be recognized by the MDEA. While the bulk of the credit goes to the design team that worked on the project, SureSkin I.V. Dressing represented a true company-wide effort. I can't say enough about the dedication and drive that exists among our people here at EuroMed. We are all grateful for this recognition."

When asked about what inspired the design of the SureSkin I.V. Dressing, Jensen was quick to credit input received from phlebotomists and other medical professionals. The company regularly connects with end-users to inspire product enhancements. "Our goal was to create a design that was not only highly-functional, but also easy to apply," explains Jensen. That's why we began experimenting with a round shape as opposed to a square or rectangular shape in which edges tend to curl. If they are round, that problem is virtually eliminated." Another design attribute that gained favor with medical professionals was the product's transparency, which allows for greater accuracy to the application area, in addition to clear observation of the insertion site.

Innovation and proactive problem solving is a part of the heritage at EuroMed. The company helped establish the category of hydrocolloid dressings, and Jensen's father, and EuroMed's founder, Ole Jensen, was instrumental in its development. "A lot has changed since my father helped introduce the first generation of hydrocolloid dressings," Jarl Jenson pointed out. "When they first appeared in clinical settings, they were thick and difficult to handle. It wasn't long before our company introduced tapered edges to reduce the risk of the dressing roll up. Over the years, we have continued to explore design enhancements that minimize the risk of interference with barrier properties, clothing or bedding."

EuroMed continues to work closely with professionals in the field to further advance the practical use of hydrocolloid dressings. The company is now working on a smaller version of the SureSkin I.V. dressing for peripheral IV sites on patient's arms.

Jensen, along with key members of the SureSkin I.V. development team, will accept the award on behalf of EuroMed at an award ceremony Wednesday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY, as part of the annual Medical Design & Manufacturing East Conference and Exposition.



BACKGROUNDER INFORMATION

About EuroMed Inc. www.euromedinc.com
Founded in 1991, EuroMed Inc. designs and manufactures high quality hydrocolloid wound management and related products for top brand medical device marketers and distributors worldwide on a contract, private label and co-marketing basis. The company's in-house services include research, design, development, manufacturing and distribution services to a global clientele. Millions of EuroMed products have been used around the world in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and home care situations. EuroMed's manufacturing facility is ISO13485:2003 certified and FDA registered

About the SureSkin I.V. Hydrocolloid Dressing Design
The circular construction of the dressing consists of a skin contact surface layer of thin hydrocolloid adhesive, with an embossed outer ring of a multi-layer hydrocolloid adhesive designed to provide secure adhesion at the periphery. A notch in the outer perimeter of the dressing accommodates the egress of a peripheral or central line catheter. A "Z fold" silicone release paper system allows for ease of application and minimizes the risk of gloves sticking to the adhesive surface of the dressing.

About the Medical Design Excellence Awards (MDEA)
Now in its tenth year, the MDEA recognizes achievements of medical device manufacturers, their suppliers, and the many people behind the scenes—engineers, scientists, designers, and clinicians—who are responsible for the groundbreaking innovations that are changing the face of healthcare. MDEA-winning entries excel in the areas of product innovation, design and engineering achievement, end-user benefit, and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing and healthcare delivery. A comprehensive review of the entries was performed by an impartial, multidisciplinary panel of third-party jurors with expertise in biomedical engineering, human factors, industrial design, medicine, and diagnostics.


For more press information, or additional information on EuroMed's products and services, please contact:

Mr. Richard Lovell
Director of Marketing
411 Clinton Avenue
Northvale, NJ 07647
USA
Tel: 201-750-1840
Fax: 201-750-1841
Email: [email protected]
http://www.euromedinc.com

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