Reuters news agency has published a video entitled "Fusing modern medicine and ancient tradition helps treat heart disorder" describing how interventional closure systems are used to treat Bolivian children with heart disorders.
pfm medical, one of the world’s leading suppliers of occluder systems for paediatric cardiology, has for some time been taking action to improve the medical care of children with congenital heart defects in Bolivia.
The survival rates of children with congenital heart defects in Germany are now rising appreciably but there is still little hope for many children with similar defects in Bolivia. For this reason, a project was initiated back in 2008 by pfm medical and GTZ, Germany’s federal enterprise for technical cooperation, together with Dr. Franz Freudenthal and Dr. Alexandra Heath-Freudenthal. The project was supported by the German government as part of its development cooperation. The aim of the project was to treat affected Bolivian children locally and, in the long term, to establish effective interventional child cardiology services in the country.
The project involved some 400 children who were helped by specialist medical teams under the direction of Drs Freudenthal. The children received cardiological diagnostics, treatment and follow-up consultations free of charge.
Bolivian doctors in cooperation hospitals were given intensive training on the interventional procedure and the insertion of implants, thus ensuring that care will remain available in the long term. At the same time efforts were also made to educate the general population so that heart disorders can be recognised and treated more rapidly. The transfer of knowledge about medical technology and the development of partnerships were, and remain, equally important so that occluders can be manufactured in the country itself.
The example of young Dario Flores demonstrates the continuing success of the project. pfm medical and Dr. Freudenthal have entered into a strategic cooperation to produce the NitOcclud® PDA-R locally. Specialists such as Dr. Alexandra Heath-Freudenthal carry out the catheter-based operation and close the defect with a NitOcclud® PDA-R occluder. They have already been able to help many young patients – to improve their lives.
A description of the project and further information can be found here: Article in pfm medical Newsletter 02/2009 (pdf)
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Occluders are often the last chance for Bolivian children with congenital heart defects
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pfm medical donates supplies to regions affected by Ebola
Cologne, 19.01.2015. pfm medical ag donates consumables to aid medical care. The Cologne medical technology company responded to a request put out by BVMed, Germany's national medical industry organisation, to its member companies across Germany. The aid initiative was launched by the CDU member of national parliament Thomas Stritzl from the city of Kiel.
The container is now on its way by sea from Rotterdam to Monrovia in Liberia. The donated equipment should reach Monrovia in end-January. It was a major concern at pfm medical to respond to this call for help and support the battle against Ebola.
"We are very glad to be able to supply medical consumables to support doctors working on the front line. We are hugely impressed that so many people, organisations and companies are working with such energy to combat Ebola" said Aurel Schoeller, Chairman of the Management Board at pfm medical ag.
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On home ground: pfm medical sponsors 12th Hernia Symposium in Cologne
For the first time this year’s Hernia Symposium is to be held in Cologne, pfm medical’s home town. Another reason to be one of the sponsors of this event, which takes place on 6 and 7 February 2015, and of the preceding high impact training course "Hernie-kompakt".
Over 40 eminent speakers from Germany and other countries will give talks addressing the symposium's central questions – “What's new in hernia surgery - which is the ideal procedure?”
As in previous years the Hernia Symposium will be accompanied by a trade exhibition. pfm medical will be presenting a stand at which professionals will be able to find out about our titanised hernia repair meshes TiMESH® and TiLENE®. The titanisation process ensures that these products are highly biocompatible and have low shrinkage rates. They are suitable for all types of hernia and for IPOM and other common surgical techniques.
The “Hernie-kompakt” training course will be held immediately before the symposium. It will be led by national and international hernia experts and is aimed primarily at doctors who are currently training to become general and abdominal surgeons. The training programme is supported by sponsors including pfm medical.
Further Information:
Kölner Hernientage (Cologne Hernia Symposium)
Hernie kompakt-Forbildungskurs (High impact training course “Hernie kompakt”)
Titanisierte Netze zur Hernienversorgung (Titanised mesh for use in hernia treatment)
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pfm medical mepro: awarded as family-friendly company
On 19 December 2014 pfm medical mepro of Nonnweiler in Saarland, Germany was awarded the family-friendly company quality seal. When it comes to reconciling work and family the company’s management supports its employees in many different ways.
“We have applied for the seal because, being a family-run company, the family is important to us.” This was the headline with which pfm medical mepro began its successful application for the quality seal. “As we’re a family-run company, reconciling work and family is highly rated here and is firmly anchored in company culture” explained Managing Director Sascha Röper.
The company offers its employees individually tailored part-time models, a flexible working time system based on the department heads’ trust, and job-sharing, to name just a few examples. Maintaining contact with employees during parental leave is also seen as hugely important. For parents returning to work there is a guarantee of individual support and an option of gradually building up working hours step-by-step. Employees with caring duties also receive support from the company in the form of acceptance of the individual situation and flexible planning of working time.
Other family-friendly features are to be introduced over the next two years. For example, pfm medical mepro is planning to cooperate with service points to support employees who need help and is examining the options for other flexible models for arranging working time and shifts.
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pfm medical organises a symposium on the topic of “Intra-abdominal Hypertension” at SII Bremen
This year’s Symposium on Intensive Medicine and Intensive Care, the 25th such annual occasion, will be held in Bremen from 18 to 20 February 2015. More than 4,600 participants are expected to attend this event, which is the largest interdisciplinary and independent congress on intensive medicine in Germany. On an exhibition space of about 2,600 sq. m. more than 180 exhibitors will present new developments in medical technology, pharmaceutics and aids for the care sector.
As last year, pfm medical will again be represented with its own stand (Hall 4, P15) on the site in 2015. In addition to products for early diagnosis of the abdominal compartment syndrome, for the first time pfm medical will be introducing SIPPI®, our urine volume measurement system.
Furthermore, pfm medical is the organiser of a satellite symposium on the topic of “Prophylaxis and therapy for the abdominal compartment syndrome – monitoring fluid management”. It has been possible again to engage two outstanding speakers for this event, who will explain the topic competently and clearly to the specialist audience from the point of view of both medicine and care:
“Prophylaxis and Therapy of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS) – Monitoring Fluid Management“
“Pathophysiology, Diagnostics and Therapy of ACS” Dr. med. Dierk Schreiter, Senior Physician at the Surgical ITS (Heart Centre of the Leipzig University Clinics)
“Care Management for ACS in Practice” Sebastian Wolf, Intensive Care Nurse (Technical University Clinic, Dresden)
The satellite symposium will take place on Thursday 19 February 2015, from 11:00 to 12:30 in the “Salon London” of the exhibition centre (Messe und Congress Centrum Bremen). Registration is directly through the congress organisers. The number of participants is limited, attendance is free.
Further information:
Congress: www.intensivmed.de
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Speaker represents pfm medical at MedInform’s e-commerce conference
MedInform’s 17th e-commerce conference is to be held in Düsseldorf on 25 February 2015, under the heading of “On closing the gaps”. It will focus on the automation of business operations between providers of medical products and hospitals.
Markus Manheller, Director Customer Solutions at pfm medical, and Henning Uiterwyk, General Manager of the German pan-industry organisation eCl@ss, will together present a talk on The organisation of eCl@ss. They will explain why the use of eCl@ss is a good idea for a mid-sized company from the medical product manufacturer’s point of view and what structures and work processes are necessary.
pfm medical has been a member of eCl@ss e.V. since 2009 and is currently preparing for the upgrade to eCl@ss Version 9.0.
The e-commerce conference will also include case studies on classification standards and tenders, use of electronic invoicing, management of client data, exchange of data between Germany’s hospital information system KIS and its MaWI module on material economics, and putting the UDI regulations into action. The role of standards in logistics is another central topic.
Further information about the event
More information about e-commerce at pfm medical
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Innovation drive in the field of digital urine volume measurement through cooperation between pfm medical ag and Observe Medical
Since January 2015 pfm medical owns the exclusive distribution rights for “SIPPI®”, the first and unique fully automatic, digital urine volume measurement system worldwide made by the Swedish manufacturer Observe Medical. SIPPI® sets a new standard for safe application, patient safety and hygiene. This market innovation is the result of the preexisting cooperation of the two firms. pfm medical has brought many years of expertise and practical experience in the field of urinary incontinence drainage into the process.
Urine production is an important component in maintaining a balance of fluids in patients, which makes it one of the vital parameters that need constant monitoring. For this reason SIPPI® is used mainly in intensive care units for various disciplines.
Simple operation, automatic emptying and the immediate availability of data simplify application for the medical staff. Without physical contact during the reading and fitted with a needle-free sampling point, SIPPI® makes an additional contribution to hygiene and the protection of staff.
The avoidance of hygiene problems from bacterial biofilm is a constant challenge in hospital work. SIPPI® supports the prevention of biofilm with a twofold protection integrated into the system: the Sippcoat™ zone in the replaceable measuring chamber has an antimicrobial agent reducing the growth of biofilm. The Sippsense™ biofilm indicator monitors the level of bacterial culture and calls in good time for the temporary barrier against biofilm to be renewed.
When the system is started, the automatic calibration function ensures the precision of the continuous measurement process with indications at one-minute intervals. Exact volume measurements with sensor technology at precise intervals of sixty minutes and storage of the measuring values history make a major contribution to quality assurance in the hospital.
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pfm medical switches to in-house production of precision equipment for histological laboratories
Cologne, 31 March 2015. Following the founding of pfm medical tec gmbh, the medical technology company now has its own production facility for microtomes and laboratory equipment. Thus, in future pfm medical will be able to cover the entire value chain within the company, from development through production to maintenance, and training. The company can consequently develop and launch products both faster and more independently. The new production facility is located in Dielheim, near Heidelberg.
pfm medical has been conceiving and developing precision equipment for use in histological laboratories in clinics and research centres since 1996. With an in-company production facility pfm medical can react faster to customer modification requirements, further develop products, and produce independently, so as to be able to supply innovations to the market without delay. In addition to development and manufacturing of the products, the company can now also offer customer training courses and maintenance services in Dielheim. The company has been selling microtomes and laboratory equipment around the world since 1996. In addition, pfm medical has also been the exclusive European distributor of microtome blades from the Japanese Feather company for more than forty years.
‘The foundation of our new production facility is the next logical step for us if we are to cover the entire value chain in the field of histological laboratory equipment. We are phasing out the previously out-sourced production, so as to be able to react faster and better to changing market requirements’, said Aurel Schoeller, CEO of pfm medical ag, when explaining the reasons for the in-house production. ‘With the foundation of pfm medical tec gmbh we are expanding our market position in the field of histology, and at the same time strengthening our production base in Germany. We consider this to be an important signal to our customers, who expect the usual high quality from us, which we can only guarantee in Germany.’
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pfm medical steadily continues its course for growth in 2014
Share of sales of products developed and manufactured in-house is on the riseSuccess at international level, especially in the key US marketFirst quarter of 2015: Sales grow at 9%
Cologne/Germany, 18 May 2015 – In the business year 2014 (January to December 2014), pfm medical was able to further extend its growth in terms of profit and sales. In the period under review, consolidated sales amounted to € 95.4 million, corresponding to a year-on-year increase of 8% (previous year: € 88.5 million). In parallel, the company’s EBIT grew by 45.8% to just under € 9.6 million in comparison to the same period of last year (€ 6.6 million). The number of employees across the company rose slightly as well, from 450 to 465 (as of 30 March 2015).
“The past business year provides evidence once again that we are on a stable path for growth. In particular, we are pleased with the growing share of sales generated from products which we have developed and which we manufacture ourselves “, says Aurel Schoeller, CEO of pfm medical ag, who is very satisfied with the 2014 business year. “Our intention is to further extend this trend, so as to bolster our flexibility. For that reason as well, we have been producing our laboratory equipment ourselves since April 2015. At international level, we are seeing sustained success in strategically important markets. We are proud of the fact that rising numbers of our cardiac implants are used in North and South America.” As a result, the company (as a manufacturer of in-house-developed, patented implants) was able to supply products to correct congenital and structural heart defects (so-called holes in the heart), especially amongst children.
Growth on a broad scale
The medical engineering company managed to raise the share of sales apportionable to products which it manufactures and develops itself to 47.1% in 2014 (from 43.5% in 2013). With respect to products and services, the main drivers of growth have been therapy management, histological technology, cardio-vascular technologies and surgical implants. By contrast, growth was lower in the operating room equipment segment in line with expectations, due to the strong price pressure resulting from stiff competition. The significant rise in the company turnover of 45% is attributable to various influencing factors, such as strong growth in the therapy management segment, and the fact that costs have increased less rapidly than the growth in sales. The share of international sales of pfm medical has advanced slightly to 43.7% in comparison to 2013 (43.6%), attributable to the strong relative rate of growth especially in Germany. Apart from in Germany, pfm medical continued to generate its largest shares of sales in the two most important foreign key markets for medical engineering, i.e. in North America and the United Kingdom.
“Our financial strength enables us to further invest in our market position and our product portfolio. Related to our sales, we will once again be within a 6 to 7% investment range this year”, states Reinhard Blunck, CFO of pfm medical, explaining the company’s development.
Outlook
In Germany, the company expects sustainable sales growth in the integrated care of patients. This covers the entire process chain from nursing care to the use of own products of pfm medical. To better meet the requirements of patients and users who are transferred from in-patient to out-patient treatment, diverse corporate divisions relating to therapy management, operating room equipment, and surgical implants have been merged together in Healthcare Solutions. In this way the company is taking demographic developments in the healthcare market into consideration, especially as far as the specific needs of critically-ill patients in palliative medicine and oncology are concerned. After their stay in hospital, these patients need to be looked after intensively around the clock.
As early as in the first quarter of 2015 all the indications are that pfm medical will continue its solid course for growth in the 2015 business year. In the first quarter of 2015 the group of companies was able once again to raise its sales by 9% in comparison to the same period in 2014.
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Palliativversorgung in Deutschland: Verantwortliche müssen an einem Strang ziehen
Verbesserungen in der palliativen Versorgung lassen sich nur erreichen, wenn Politik, Kostenträger und Medizin an einem Strang ziehen. Dies wurde bei der careXperts Jahresversammlung 2015 der pfm medical ag deutlich. Im Kölner MediaPark diskutierten rund 100 Fachkräfte aus Medizin und Pflege mit Experten, wie sich Lebensqualität und Selbstbestimmung von Menschen am Ende ihres Lebensweges nachhaltig verbessern lassen.„Wir müssen uns Gedanken darüber machen, wie wir Lebensqualität für alle Menschen in der Palliativversorgung dauerhaft verankern“, leitete Andreas Gottschalk, Vorstandsmitglied der pfm medical ag, die Veranstaltung ein. Angesichts des demografischen Wandels werde die Bedeutung der Palliativpflege weiter wachsen. Deshalb müssten Strukturen und Standards weiterentwickelt, Fachpersonal qualifiziert und ausreichende Finanzmittel bereitgestellt werden. So umriss Gottschalk die Herausforderungen der nächsten Jahre.
Hier sieht Franz Müntefering, ehemaliger Bundesminister für Arbeit und Soziales, die Politik in der Pflicht. Müntefering, der sich im Stiftungsrat der Deutschen Hospiz- und Palliativstiftung für das Thema engagiert, forderte auf der Tagung, dass die Verantwortlichkeiten zwischen Bund und Kommunen klarer geregelt werden müssten, um eine schnellere Finanzierung und eine flächendeckende Versorgung zu erreichen. Darüber hinaus setzt sich der ehemalige SPD-Vorsitzende dafür ein, den Pflegeberuf attraktiver zu machen, Pflegekräfte besser zu bezahlen und zu qualifizieren. „Wer pflegt, muss das auch können“, so Müntefering.
Die fachliche Qualifikation der Pflegekräfte sei auch aus rechtlicher Sicht unabdingbar, erläuterte Rechtsanwalt Dr. Oliver Tolmein von der Kanzlei Menschen und Rechte aus Hamburg. Wenn ein Arzt Aufgaben an Pflegekräfte delegiere, müsse er sicherstellen, dass sie ausreichend qualifiziert sind, den Patienten in der palliativen Pflege korrekt aufklären und die Dokumentationspflichten erfüllen. Andernfalls sei der Arzt rechtlich angreifbar. Rechtliche Auseinandersetzungen können auch zwischen Patienten und Kostenträgern drohen, erläuterte Dr. Tolmein weiter. Denn dem individuellen Krankheitsverlauf eines Patienten im Hospiz stünden starre Berechnungsmodelle auf Seiten der Kostenträgern gegenüber, die in der Regel nicht zu schnellen, bedarfsgerechten Anpassungen in der Lage seien. Patienten können ebenfalls auf Widerstand stoßen, wenn Leistungen außerhalb des Regelkatalogs erbracht werden sollen, deren Erstattung von der Krankenversicherung abgelehnt wird. Klare Regelungen und schnellere Bearbeitungszeiten seitens der Kostenträger würden diese Probleme verringern.
Die spezialisierte ambulante Palliativversorgung (SAPV) ermöglicht es Betroffenen, bis zu ihrem Tod in der vertrauten häuslichen Umgebung oder in stationären Pflegeeinrichtungen betreut zu werden. Um bei dieser Betreuung dem Patienten eine bestmögliche Lebensqualität zu ermöglichen, sei eine ständige und transparente Kommunikation aller Beteiligten unabdingbar. Darin waren sich Professor Jens Büntzel, Facharzt für HNO-Erkrankungen und Palliativmedizin sowie Chefarzt am Südharz Klinikum Nordhausen, und Dr. Theo Breidbach, Facharzt für Allgemeinmedizin und Chirurgie am Schmerz- und Palliativzentrum Koblenz, einig. Jeder Fall sei so individuell, dass es kaum allgemeingültige Wege gebe. Vielmehr müssten durch die enge Zusammenarbeit zwischen Klinik, niedergelassenen Ärzten und Pflege jeweils individuelle Lösungen gefunden werden. Entscheidend für die Lebensqualität sei es, soziale Isolation zu vermeiden. HNO-Spezialist Professor Dr. Büntzel versucht deshalb zum Beispiel, die Stimme des Patienten zu erhalten: „Jeder muss seine Geschichte erzählen können.“ Für Dr. Breidbach ist der Erhalt der Mobilität ein entscheidender Faktor.
pfm medical ag engagiert sich für Palliativversorgung
Engagement im Bereich Palliativversorgung zeigte die pfm medical ag nicht nur durch die Organisation der Veranstaltung. Die Eintrittsgelder in Höhe von 1850 Euro rundete das Unternehmen auf 3000 Euro auf und spendete den Betrag an den Deutschen Kinderhospizverein e.V.
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Adaptable sectioning technology for optimal results
Bamberg - The new manual and electronic sliding microtomes from pfm medical, a medium-sized medical products manufacturer, are tailored as perfect fit for the needs of the practitioner. Both microtomes were presented for the first time at the 18th Morphology Days, held from 29-31 January 2016 in Bamberg, Germany. Apart from its modern rotary microtomes, the company now thus offers two new, highly efficient sliding microtomes that satisfy the high demands of the practitioner for creating thin tissue sections in the field of routine, research and industry. The sliding microtomes from pfm medical not only produce uniform and reproducible section preparations of defined thickness, but also permit comfortable handling and are precisely adapted to the needs of the user.“As a medium-sized company, we are close to the customers. This close contact and our decade-long expertise in the routine-cutting technology field lets us respond rapidly and flexibly with our product portfolio to fit individual requirements and needs", explained Erwin Schneider, Senior General Manager of pfm medical ag for the histotechnology sector. He presented the two sliding microtomes that were developed and manufactured in Germany and which are immediately available at pfm medical:
The manual sliding microtome pfm Slide 4004 M, which offers the practitioner precise and user-friendly control elements with maximum comfort while producing sections (see graphic presentation, page 3).
The electronic sliding microtome pfm Slide 4005 E, which with a touch screen provides especially well arranged and simple operation (see graphic presentation on page 4).
Both products conform to state-of-the-art technology.
Sliding microtomes from pfm medical – efficient, user-friendly and adaptable
Both units are characterised by especially smooth operation and stable blade sliding movement as well as excellent safety. The rapid exchange system for object clamps makes it easy to align the microtome to individual needs. The modular design provides individual modules such as object clamps that can be flexibly configured depending on the requirements. With a broad spectrum of accessories, including various blade holders – the microtomes from pfm medical can be even further customised. The use of the newly developed pfm Blade Holder, for example, ensures maximum stability in order to avoid vibrations when sectioning hard samples.The anodised surface offers an especially hard and scratch-resistant sealing in the two-colour design with dark-light contrast.
Broad product portfolio and individual response to customer wishes
Since 1996, pfm medical has offered rotary and sliding microtomes as a system solution with the exclusive use of microtome blades from the Japanese manufacturer FEATHER® which offer the highest precision and reliable results in histotechnology. The microtomes from pfm medical are developed in our own production plant in Dielheim in Baden-Wuerttemberg, and manufactured according to state-of-the-art technology, so that the entire value-added process chain remains in one hand. This also includes competent consultation and technical support in the daily routine of your practice provided by our in-house service and maintenance department.
Source: 18th Bamberg Morphology Days, 29 - 31 January 2016, Bamberg
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Short profile
pfm medical is a leading German company in the medical technology sector. The Cologne family enterprise, founded in 1971, is represented worldwide with more than 500 employees at 12 locations. In 2014, pfm medical generated revenues of 95.4 million euros and a profit before interest and taxes (EBIT) of 9.6 million euros. With 3,100 products distributed in over 100 markets, as well as various medical services, pfm medical provides a broad portfolio of products and services. The offering covers in the medical application fields include infusion, histotechnology, cardiovascular technologies and surgery. Whether for products or services – apart from flawless functioning, pfm medical focuses on the patient's quality of life above all.
Contact
pfm medical ag Ute Ebers Head of Corporate Communications Wankelstraße 60 50996 Köln T +49 (0)2236 9641-370 F +49 (0)2236 9641-99-370 ute.ebers[at]pfmmedical[dot]com
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New CFO at pfm medical ag
Cologne – With immediate effect Dr. Florian Dannheim is the Chief Financial Officer at pfm medical ag. He is, thus, the successor to Reinhard Blunck, who retired at the beginning of January 2016. In his role the doctor of business engineering is taking over the controlling of the business development for the internationally operating medical technology company.
Dannheim has gained a lot of experience, both within Germany and abroad, in the development and implementation of finance strategies across corporate group structures. Different positions in the field of consultancy and within companies following his studies prepared him for his area of responsibility at pfm medical ag: In 1999 he began his career as a consultant with Boston Consulting Group. His first position on the company side was in 2002 at Hilti AG, where he finally became responsible for developing the business in the United Kingdom as Financial Director. In 2006 he transferred from the construction industry to the steel industry, to Klöckner & Co., where he worked as the Manager of Corporate Controlling, M&A and Corporate Development. He completed his business engineering studies at the Technical University in Darmstadt, where he also completed his doctorate thesis.
“With Dr. Dannheim we are pleased to have gained a board colleague who combines technological understanding with comprehensive knowledge of key corporate figures in one person,” says Aurel Schoeller, Chairman of the Board at pfm medical ag. “The board is now complete again and very well prepared for the implementation of our growth strategy in the next years.” Dannheim completes the board team, which apart from Aurel Schoeller as the chairman also includes Andreas Gottschalk as COCM (Chief Officer Customer and Markets).
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Short profile
pfm medical is a leading German company in the medical technology sector. The Cologne family enterprise, founded in 1971, is represented worldwide with more than 500 employees at 12 locations. In 2014, pfm medical generated revenues of 95.4 million euros and a profit before interest and taxes (EBIT) of 9.6 million euros. With 3,100 products distributed in over 100 markets, as well as various medical services, pfm medical provides a broad portfolio of products and services. The offering covers in the medical application fields include infusion, histotechnology, cardiovascular technologies and surgery. Whether for products or services – apart from flawless functioning, pfm medical focuses on the patient's quality of life above all.
Contact
pfm medical ag Ute Ebers Head of Corporate Communications Wankelstraße 60 50996 Köln T +49 (0)2236 9641-370 F +49 (0)2236 9641-99-370 ute.ebers[at]pfmmedical[dot]com
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ASEPT® permanent drainage catheter system approved for therapy of benign ascites
Easement for the chronically ill
Cologne – Starting immediately, the ASEPT® permanent drainage system from pfm medical, a medical product manufacturer located in Cologne, will be the only product on the german market approved for treatment of recurring, benign ascites. ASEPT® has already proven itself in the treatment of recurring, malignant ascites and pleural effusions. Now also patients who suffer, for example, from portal ascites can profit from the permanent drainage system. This is because ASEPT® is an effective, minimally invasive, and safe therapeutic option which can be applied also at the patients home.
For patients with recurring ascites, ASEPT® represents a therapeutic alternative aimed at easing everyday life. The permanent drainage catheter avoids the therapeutic risks which can incur during treatment with a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). And in comparison to repeated paracentesis, the patient is spared the time-consuming and difficult puncture processes in the hospital. Instead, they can remain in their home environment and do the drainage themselves or have it done by a relative or nursing service. The corresponding training is provided by qualified personnel of pfm medical ag.
ASEPT® System – effective and save outpatient ascites drainage
The ASEPT® permanent drainage system helps patients directly as during drainage it immediately improves the principal symptoms, such as respiratory distress. The minimally invasive implantation of the permanent drainage catheter is done using the Seldinger technique; consequently minimizing the risk of injury to the internal organs. The brief procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia on either an inpatient or outpatient basis. The handling of the permanent drainage catheter is simple and safe, even for persons without any nursing background. This is because it has a self-locking Luer lock valve, which ensures a stable connection even after frequent use, and without any safety clip.
The subcutaneous tunnelling of the catheter and the polyester cuff placed in the tunnel provide an effective barrier against infection. In addition, the negative pressure inside the drainage bottle prevents penetration of contaminated liquid into the effusion space.
ASEPT® – Complete package for catheter setup and outpatient drainage
The ASEPT® peritoneal drainage system contains all components required for tunnelled insertion of the ASEPT® drainage catheter using the Seldinger technique. The first drainage can be done immediately following implantation under the supervision of the doctor in the hospital or practice. Once the doctor has specified the drainage volume and interval, subsequent drainages can be done in the home environment. The ASEPT® drainage kits include all the consumable materials needed for hygienic, outpatient ascites drainage. The main components of the kits are the vacuum bottles – available in 600 ml and 1,000 ml sizes – which can be connected to the catheter valve via an easy-to-use Luer lock connector.
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Short profile
pfm medical is a leading German company in the medical technology sector. The Cologne family enterprise, founded in 1971, is represented worldwide with more than 500 employees at 12 locations. In 2014, pfm medical generated revenues of 95.4 million euros and a profit before interest and taxes (EBIT) of 9.6 million euros. With 3,100 products distributed in over 100 markets, as well as various medical services, pfm medical provides a broad portfolio of products and services. The offering covers in the medical application fields include infusion, histotechnology, cardiovascular technologies and surgery. Whether for products or services – apart from flawless functioning, pfm medical focuses on the patient's quality of life above all.
Contact
pfm medical ag Ute Ebers Head of Corporate Communications Wankelstraße 60 50996 Köln T +49 (0)2236 9641-370 F +49 (0)2236 9641-99-370 ute.ebers[at]pfmmedical[dot]com
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„Wasserbauch“ als Folge chronischer Hepatitis – jetzt auch zu Hause behandelbar
Welt-Hepatitis-Tag
mindestens 600.000 Menschen in Deutschland mit Hepatitis-B- oder Hepatitis-C-Virus infiziertchronische Hepatitis kann zur Vernarbung der Leber (Leberzirrhose) mit dem Symptom eines „Wasserbauchs“ (Flüssigkeit sammelt sich im Bauchraum) führenerstmals dauerhafte Behandlung des „Wasserbauchs“ in der häuslichen Umgebung möglich durch das Dauerdrainage-Therapie-System Asept
Mit dem Welt-Hepatitis-Tag am 28. Juli möchte die Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) auf Impf-, Diagnostik- und Therapiemöglichkeiten bei Hepatitis aufmerksam machen. Therapien selbstständig zu Hause durchführen zu können, ist ein wichtiger Schritt, um die Versorgung und damit auch die Lebensqualität Betroffener zu verbessern. pfm medical bietet als einziger Medizinproduktehersteller auf dem deutschen Markt mit der Dauerdrainage eine zugelassene Therapieoption des sogenannten „Wasserbauches“ (Aszites) an, der als Folge einer chronischen Hepatitis entsteht. Mit einem System bestehend aus Katheter und Vakuumflaschen können Patienten im Rahmen einer ärztlich verordneten Therapie ab sofort zu Hause behandelt werden.
Hepatitis B und C gewinnen aufgrund ihrer Verbreitung, der schwerwiegenden gesundheitlichen Folgen und neuer Behandlungsmöglichkeiten an Bedeutung. In Deutschland sind mindestens 600.000 Menschen mit dem Hepatitis-B- oder dem Hepatitis-C-Virus infiziert. Fast 8.700 Neuinfektionen vermeldet das Robert Koch-Institut hierzulande für das Jahr 2015. Bei beiden Hepatitis-Formen können chronische Verläufe auftreten, die schließlich zu einer Vernarbung der Leber (Leberzirrhose) und Leberkrebs führen können. Eines der auffälligsten Symptome einer Leberzirrhose ist der Wasserbauch, in der Medizin als „Aszites“ bezeichnet. Kann die Leber aufgrund einer Zirrhose ihre Funktionen schlecht ausüben, produziert sie oftmals weniger Albumin, als der Körper benötigt. Dieses Eiweiß ist wichtig, um Flüssigkeit in den Gefäßen zu halten. Fehlt es, sammelt sich unter anderem im Bauchraum vermehrt Flüssigkeit an. Ebenso kann erhöhter Druck innerhalb der Gefäße eine solche Flüssigkeitsansammlung verursachen. Für die Patienten ist der gespannte und drückende Bauch, der daraufhin entsteht, eine große Belastung. Je nach Größe des Bauches können Betroffene unter Symptomen wie Übelkeit, Erschöpfung, Appetitlosigkeit und Luftnot leiden.
Neue Therapie für „Wasserbauch“-Patienten: Drainage in den eigenen vier Wänden
Noch immer müssen sich viele Patienten, wenn Medikamente nicht mehr helfen und operative Eingriffe nicht empfohlen sind, regelmäßigen Punktionen beim Arzt unterziehen, der die Flüssigkeit mit einer Spritze abzieht (drainiert). Diese aufwendige und oft schmerzhafte Prozedur ist mit wiederholten Besuchen im Krankenhaus oder in einer Arztpraxis verbunden. Für Betroffene gibt es nun eine Drainage-Therapie, die sie selbstständig zu Hause durchführen können. Zu diesem Zweck setzt der Arzt dem Patienten in einem kurzen Eingriff einen dünnen Schlauch (Katheter) ein, der für die Dauer der Therapie im Körper verbleibt. Nachdem der Arzt Volumen und Häufigkeit der Drainage festgelegt hat, kann der Patient angesammeltes Bauchwasser selbst oder mit Hilfe von Angehörigen oder Pflegedienstmitarbeitern abziehen. Dies ist vor allem für die Betroffenen eine große Erleichterung, erreichen sie auf diese Weise mehr Eigenständigkeit und Unabhängigkeit im Alltag mit der Erkrankung.
Möglich macht diese Therapie das Dauerdrainage-Set aus Katheter und Vakuumflaschen der Marke Asept, entwickelt und produziert vom Kölner Medizinproduktehersteller pfm medical. Aszites-Patienten, die aufgrund eines Krebsleidens einen Wasserbauch bekommen haben, kann pfm medical schon seit Jahren mit dem Dauerdrainage-System Asept helfen. Ziel des Unternehmens war es, diese bewährte und schmerzarme Therapieoption auch Patienten zu ermöglichen, die beispielsweise aufgrund einer Leberzirrhose Flüssigkeit im Bauch ansammeln. Deshalb ist Asept seit Kurzem auch für diese Patienten zugelassen – übrigens als einziges Produkt dieser Art auf dem deutschen Markt.
Unterstützung durch umfangreiche Services und Online-Portal
Neben dem Produkt Asept bietet pfm medical ergänzende Services an, um den Erfolg der Dauerdrainage-Therapie zu verstärken: Damit Patienten, Angehörige und Pflegekräfte wissen, wie sie eine Drainage richtig durchführen, werden sie von ausgebildetem Pflegepersonal der pfm medical eingewiesen und erhalten Unterstützung in Form von Informationsmaterialien. Außerdem liefert das Medizinprodukteunternehmen auf Bestellung neue Flaschen innerhalb weniger Werktage bequem zum Patienten nach Hause.
Im neuen Online-Portal von pfm medical finden medizinische Fachkräfte sowie Patienten und interessierte Laien umfassende Informationen zum Krankheitsbild Aszites sowie zur Dauerdrainage-Therapie.
Zum Online-Portal
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pfm medical faces the future with solid growth
pfm medical has closed the financial year 2015 (1 January to 31 December 2015) with a 7 per cent increase in sales over the previous year. The group achieved 102.1 million euros revenue in 2015 compared to 95.4 million euros in 2014. With the development of a long-term strategy concept, the group has set the course for the next five years. Due to investment in this strategy and some one-off special effects, the company’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of 4.1 million euros fell below those of the previous year (9.6 million euros). The workforce increased from 434 to 512 employees (as per 31.12.2015).
“In 2015, we have set the course for our future growth. At the expense of our profits, we have invested in the development of a sustainable long-term strategy”, Aurel Schoeller, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of pfm medical ag comments the development over the reporting period. “We want to maintain our strong position as a medium-sized, family-owned company. This is the only way we will continue to be able to respond quickly to changing market conditions, for example due to digitalization or new legislation. This explains our high investments in the modernisation and extension of the production facilities at our site in Nonnweiler and in our IT systems, as well as the significant increase in our workforce.” pfm medical intends to pursue long-term strategies and stay on course regardless of short-term fluctuations in earnings, he added.
Growth on a broad scale
The 7 per cent growth in sales was achieved in all segments of products and services. The proportion of products manufactured in-house has increased to just over 50%. The group’s international business continued unchanged. This means that the share of international revenue lies just below 44% of the total revenue. Apart from a relatively high investment of more than one million euros in strategic development, factors causing the decline in profits were the strong devaluation of the Argentine peso and the increased personnel costs.
pfm medical reached the following milestones in 2015:
Development of the strategy concept up to 2021 in close partnership with a management consultancydevelopment of the LimLess infusion pump in-house for use in pain therapy and parenteral nutritionthe 12 months-data of the TiLOOP Total 6 study - conducted with 300 female patients and layed out for a period of 36 months - confirmed that the TiLOOP implant for pelvic floor reconstruction significantly improved the women’s quality of life following surgeryWith pfm medical tec, pfm medical ag established a subsidiary to produce high-precision appliances for histological laboratories such as microtomes for cutting tissue samples. Thereby, pfm medical offers product development, manufacturing, after-sales service and user training in a one-stop-shop.
Strategy concept for long-term corporate success
The supplier of medical products and services has already taken first steps to implement its new strategy: pfm medical has developed numerous projects which consistently promote the group as a supplier of comprehensive solutions, including both products and services as well as improving customers’ processes. Main indication fields are surgery, histotechnology, infusion and cardiovascular therapies.
“Apart from solid growth due to our sound business model, our high equity ratio also provides a reliable basis for further strategic development of our group”, explains Dr. Florian Dannheim, CFO of pfm medical ag. “Our finances are rock solid, and consequently we are well positioned to respond to our customers’ future demands as required”, Dannheim emphasizes his positive outlook.
Opportunities in the growth market of healthcare
The family-owned medical products group aims to expand its range of products and services across all sectors in its core market Germany. The further internationalisation of the business, the stronger concentration on indications and the enhancement of the solution and service portfolio are the focus of pfm medical. In these areas the course has been set, including the scalability of the company’s internal systems and processes as well as production capacities.
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Short profile
pfm medical ranks among the leading German companies in the field of medical technology and services. The Cologne-based family company was founded in 1971, and has more than 500 employees at twelve locations around the world. In 2015, pfm medical realized an EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) of 4.1 million euros from 102.1 million euros in revenue. The medical products supplier has registered more than 80 patents, utility models and trademarks. As a specialist supplier of 3,100 products, the company offers an extensive portfolio which is distributed in more than 100 markets.
Its product range covers the four application fields infusion (e.g. infusion pumps and implantable port catheters), histotechnology (e.g. microtom blades and laboratory appliances), cardiovascular technologies (e.g. occlusion implants for congenital heart defects) and surgery (e.g. drainage systems and mesh implants).
pfm medical integrates products and services into a comprehensive solutions package. For instance, the company provides training and advice to physicians, nursing staff, patients and their families to ensure the best possible therapy outcomes in both inpatient and outpatient healthcare. In the development of innovative solutions in close cooperation with leading physicians and specialist partners, pfm medical invariably focuses on improvements in the quality of work and the quality of life for both users and patients.
Contact
pfm medical ag Ute Ebers Head of Corporate Communications Wankelstraße 60 50996 Köln T +49 (0)2236 9641-370 F +49 (0)2236 9641-99-370 ute.ebers[at]pfmmedical[dot]com
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LimLess®: Mobile system for short- and long-term outpatient care
New infusion pump from pfm medical
Infusion system in a small compact design offers more mobility, at home as wellhigh degree of safety thanks to redundant control unit (dual processor technology)Practical operation with graphical user interface
pfm medical has developed LimLess®, an electronic infusion pump for reliable and easy-to-use outpatient infusion therapy. The dual processor system comprising two independent processors with mutual monitoring was inspired by the aerospace industry. Equipped with two control units, the pump ensures maximum uninterrupted administration of medication. At the same, it's easy to handle thanks to its graphical user interface and intuitive navigation. The touchpad can also be operated whilst wearing gloves. Moreover, the pump is part of a comprehensive solution concept comprising compatible products and services for outpatient care. The product and its requisite consumables are manufactured by pfm medical at one of its production plants in Germany.
pfm medical's electronic infusion pump, LimLess®, offers a high level of security through malfunction detection and accuracy. With a durable rechargeable battery the pump fulfils all requirements for a longt-term therapy, also off-line. Moreover the easy-to-use application means that inpatient infusion therapy with LimLess® can be transferred to the outpatient care.
Reliable outpatient therapy
One specific feature of the infusion pump is the the dual processor system with duplicated safety systems. Thanks to the concept, which is widely-used in the aerospace industry, the systems mutually and independently monitor each other, thereby improving safety with an alarm message if one processor fails. With a flow rate accuracy of +/- 5% and linear infusion, the pump offers high and sustainable accuracy in the administration of the prescribed dosage.
The rechargeable lithium ion battery allows an operation time of up to 40 hours. With an average flow rate of 125 ml/h the battery will be sufficient for 20 hours of continuous infusion. The battery allows a minimum of 500 charging cycles without any noticeable performance degradation. Alongside the alarm function, there is a pressure sensor and ultrasonic air detector to round off the safety package. This ensures that an acoustic signal and a clear text message on the display are generated if, for example, the therapy is interrupted by air in the line, occlusion or any other incident. Thus, LimLess® complies with state-of-the-art quality standards for safe, reliable and easy-to-use mobile infusion therapy.
Compact and easy to use
LimLess® combines all these features in a small and compact design: Weighing 367 g and measuring just 135x92x38 mm (LxWxH), the pump design is lightweight and easy to handle. During outpatient treatment, the patient thus enjoys enhanced mobility.
With its particularly uncomplicated operation, LimLess® facilitates easy outpatient therapy with a minimum of disruption. Thanks to its digital display, all parameters can be viewed at a glance. Up to the last 1000 events can also be easily and quickly retrieved from memory via the touchpad, which can be operated whilst wearing gloves. Doctors and nurses can select between seven profiles to administer patient-specific therapies. LimLess®'s user friendliness means the pre-programmed pump can be easily operated afterwards by patients and relatives.
Field-proven portfolio extended thanks to own production
pfm medical has been selling infusion pumps for many years. With LimLess®, the medical technology company has now added an own-developed product to its portfolio which incorporates the company's many years of experience with patients in infusion therapy. With this the company enters new market segments in Germany and abroad.
The electronic infusion pump as well as all the requisite consumables are manufactured at its Nonnweiler-Otzenhausen site in Germany. pfm medical thus covers all stages of the value-added chain, and is able to react flexibly to user needs and immediately implement them in products.
pfm medical will continue to sell the field-proven BodyGuard pumps in Germany alongside LimLess® to ensure long-term availability of patients’ and users’ preferred systems. Maintenance and support for both infusion pumps will be provided by pfm medical.
Products and services as part of a comprehensive solution concept for infusion therapy
All infusion pumps supplied by pfm medical are part of a comprehensive solution portfolio for infusion therapy. This comprises, on the one hand, an extensive product portfolio covering all requisite parts: from ports through Huber needles to infusion pumps, consumables and accessories, as well as nutrient solutions for parenteral feeding. On the other hand, pfm medical provides a range of services in close cooperation with local healthcare organizations. For example, pfm medical trains carers, patients and relatives in the correct use of the infusion pumps. Supply services such as port needle replacement are also provided by the medical technology company's own qualified staff. Thus, patients, users and physicians are able to benefit from a full range of high-quality services from a single supplier.
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Short profile
pfm medical ranks among the leading German companies in the field of medical technology and services. The Cologne-based family company was founded in 1971, and has more than 500 employees at twelve locations around the world. In 2015, pfm medical realized an EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) of 4.1 million euros from 102.1 million euros in revenue. The medical products supplier has registered more than 80 patents, utility models and trademarks. As a specialist supplier of 3,100 products, the company offers an extensive portfolio which is distributed in more than 100 markets.
Its product range covers the four application fields infusion (e.g. infusion pumps and implantable port catheters), histotechnology (e.g. microtom blades and laboratory appliances), cardiovascular technologies (e.g. occlusion implants for congenital heart defects) and surgery (e.g. drainage systems and mesh implants).
pfm medical integrates products and services into a comprehensive solutions package. For instance, the company provides training and advice to physicians, nursing staff, patients and their families to ensure the best possible therapy outcomes in both inpatient and outpatient healthcare. In the development of innovative solutions in close cooperation with leading physicians and specialist partners, pfm medical invariably focuses on improvements in the quality of work and the quality of life for both users and patients.
Contact
pfm medical ag Ute Ebers Head of Corporate Communications Wankelstraße 60 50996 Köln T +49 (0)2236 9641-370 F +49 (0)2236 9641-99-370 ute.ebers[at]pfmmedical[dot]com
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pfm medical continues on course for international success with foreign growth in double figures
The management report published by the pfm medical group today emphasises the role of innovation and internationalisation in driving forward the successful development of this mid-sized company. Non-domestic turnover was 17.3% up on the previous year and already constitutes 41.9% of the group’s total turnover. The greatest gains were achieved in North and South America, two particularly demanding markets.Strong growth occurred primarily in Cardiovascular Technology and Surgical Implants, both of which are newer, development-intensive areas. pfm medical is researching, producing and distributing new systems providing innovative therapeutic solutions in these and other areas. Investment in research and development by the group as a whole, already at a high level, was increased by a further 13.6% during the past year.In order to carry on supplying new answers to previously unanswered clinical questions, the company’s research and development efforts are clearly focused on forward-looking technology and on developing new manufacturing processes for internal production. The company’s own products already account for 41% of total turnover.The growth of the international concern, whose annual turnover has now reached 85 million euros, was greater than that of the parent company pfm medical ag. Here, too, the consistent strategy of diversification and internationalisation has proved its worth. CFO Reinhard Blunck feels that the company is also well prepared for the economic problems increasingly affecting south east Europe. In his view, “the spread of pfm medical’s activities across several different business areas, and the growing proportion made up by international business, strengthen the company with regard to changes in the situation in individual countries.”Alongside the economic dimension, long-term cooperative partnerships based on trust are a high priority for pfm medical. The company successfully maintains strategic alliances with leading international partner companies, a commitment highlighted in the management report. We can now look back on 40 years of close cooperation with FEATHER Safety Razor Co. Ltd. and Unomedical (a ConvaTec company), and on 20 years of trusting partnership with NuMED.
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Study of TiLOOP® Bra confirms positive findings with titanised mesh implants
pfm medical has developed an ultra-light mesh implant, TiLOOP® Bra, to support tissue and implants in oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery. The mesh, which is 100% biocompatible, is made from a patented composite material with a covalently bonded titanium surface. The results of the study Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction Using a Titanium-Coated Polypropylene Mesh (TiLOOP® Bra): A Multicenter Study of 231 Cases have now been published by M. Dieterich et al. in the most recent edition of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery®, the journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The primary goal of the study was to identify patient-related and surgical risk factors so that well-founded recommendations can be made for breast reconstruction with TiLOOP® Bra. The secondary goal of the study was to record the complication rate during the study period.With 183 patients (231 breasts) the study is the largest so far to evaluate treatment with TiLOOP® Bra. The results of the analysis show that TiLOOP® Bra facilitated implant-aided instant reconstruction in the patients selected. No patient-related risk factors were identified in relation to primary breast reconstruction with the TiLOOP® Bra implant. Overall the study confirms the positive findings for the mesh implant’s properties which include low rates of inflammation and rapid ingrowth into the surrounding tissue. Breast reconstruction with TiLOOP® Bra is therefore a safe form of treatment.Three different versions of TiLOOP® Bra are available to support smaller (< 200 g), medium (< 350 g) and larger (< 500 g) breast sizes. pfm medical’s titanised meshes can also be used in other areas including hernia surgery and pelvic floor surgery. They are produced by pfm medical titanium gmbh, a pfm medical company based in Nuremberg, Germany.
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pfm medical receives FDA Premarket Approval (PMA) for Nit-Occlud® PDA, Transcatheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Occlusion Device
pfm medical, a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative, minimally invasive medical devices for cardio vascular technology, vascular access, surgery, and oncology, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) premarket approval for its Nit-Occlud® PDA device in August 2013. Nit-Occlud® PDA is a permanently implanted prosthesis indicated for percutaneous, transcatheter closure of small to moderate size patent ductus arteriosus with a minimum angiographic diameter less than 4 mm.
A Phase II Clinical Study was conducted with 378 subjects enrolled in 15 study centers throughout the U.S. under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to establish a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the Nit-Occlud® PDA. Favorable results meeting all objective performance criteria from this clinical study were the basis for the premarket approval decision.
Aurel Schoeller, CEO of the pfm medical group, is pleased with the successful product introduction: "Nit-Occlud® PDA is one of our main innovative products. Its FDA approval for us represents a key step towards achieving market share in the US", he said.
For further information please contact
pfm medical USA Inc.Marshall KerrCEO, Presidentmkerr@pfmmedicalusa.comT +1-760-758-8749
pfm medical USA Inc.Jessica GreeneVice President, Operations jgreene@pfmmedicalusa.comT +1-760-758-8749
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Quality & Experience – pfm medical at MEDICA 2013
Cologne 18.11.2013 – pfm medical will once again have a stand at the MEDICA trade show when it opens its doors on November 20th. During more than 40 years in the medical technology sector this Cologne-based company has increased its competence and developed an innovative product range, earning the trust of users in hospitals, laboratories and care teams all over the world.
Quality made in Germany
Many of the products are manufactured at the company’s Saarland site, the second largest of the locations within the group. Some items from pfm medical’s unique portfolio will be on show at the Saarland joint group stand (Hall 7a, Stand B05). The company is exhibiting high quality products for use in hospitals, operating theatres and nursing care. pfm medical’s occluders mean longer life for people with a variety of congenital heart defects who can now be treated with less radical surgery. Titanised mesh implants are used in hernia, breast and pelvic floor surgery. The titanisation process is unique throughout the world and ensures incomparable biocompatibility and quicker recovery. Reliable system solutions for nursing care at home improve the quality of life for patients: with mobile infusion pumps and sets they are able to continue receiving treatment in their own home environment and stay mobile.
Innovation and safety: guiding beacons
pfm medical is totally committed to ensuring the safety of patients and users. To this end, the company makes use of innovative technology and collaborates closely with doctors and other specialists in the development process. To make products people can trust.
pfm medical ag is a globally operating industrial company for medical technology with its head office in Cologne. As an independent manufacturer, technology partner, service provider and sales specialist, pfm medical is totally committed to the safety of users and patients. This family-run enterprise supplies a range of products including operating theatre equipment, surgical implants, histotechnology and cardiovascular technologies and also provides therapy management. Over 400 employees at fourteen subsidiaries and branches all over the world generate a turnover of around € 85.1 million.
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