Masimo Introduces Universal ReSposable Pulse Oximetry Sensor System

Masimo announced today limited market release of the Universal ReSposable™ Pulse Oximetry Sensor System, offering the Measure-Through Motion and Low Perfusion performance and accuracy of SET®, as well as the comfort of its single-patient-use adhesive sensors with the cost-effectiveness and environmental advantages of a reusable sensor.

The new Universal ReSposable pulse oximetry sensor was created after more than 10 years of research and development with feedback from hundreds of clinicians on what they wanted most in a sensor – less waste, more value, and the Masimo SET® performance.

The new ReSposable sensor components sit atop the sensor – not embedded – reducing risk of pressure points. Patients also can be disconnected from a pulse oximeter without having to carry the sensor cable.

"We've been impressed not only with the reduction in costs, but the ReSposable sensor is helping us meet our environmental, waste-reduction goals," said SuzAnne J Gil, Clinical Resource Manager at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, New Mexico. "In an era when hospitals are expected to deliver quality care, while controlling costs and carbon footprints, Masimo's ReSposable sensors offer a clear benefit for patients, clinicians and facility administrators."

"The Masimo innovative ReSposable concept should be considered for any clinical unit regarding SpO₂ sensor usage because of its sustainability both in terms of cost-control and waste-reduction policies," said Dr. Concha Goni , head of neonatal and pediatric intensive care units at Hospital Virgen del Camino in Pamplona, Spain, where the sensor has been used as part of Masimo's pre-market release testing.

Masimo's Universal ReSposable SpO₂ sensors generate up to 90% less waste vs. 34% less waste with reprocessing,* while reducing carbon emissions up to 41% vs. 43% more emissions with reprocessing.**

Disposable pulse oximetry sensors historically have offered the best performance, greatest ease of use, and most comfort, but do generate more waste than reusable sensors. Reusable sensors may offer low environmental impact, but do not offer the same performance, comfort, or reduction of cross-contamination risk as disposable sensors. And third-party reprocessed sensors do not offer the same performance or quality as new sensors, as evidenced by their own indications for use statements. Moreover, reprocessed sensors have a higher carbon footprint than new sensors, due to greater greenhouse gas emissions from transport, reprocessing, and decontamination procedures.

Joe Kiani , CEO and Founder of Masimo, said, "More than ever, hospitals are under pressure to reduce costs and implement green initiatives, while maintaining infection-control practices to protect patients and staff from cross-contamination. While the ultimate way to reduce cost and improve care is through process of care improvements made possible by technologies like SET® and rainbow®, with ReSposable sensors, hospital materials management departments can meet the cost reduction edicts, while helping their hospitals meet their environmental, and safety goals, and most importantly ensure that their patients are provided with accurate monitoring when they need it most."

Source: http://www.masimo.com/

*Waste calculated by sensor weight for 40% reprocessed sensors with a mix of 80% Adult and Pediatric sensors, 20% Neo and infant sensors.

**Carbon footprint comparisons calculated by lbs. CO₂ emissions with same reprocess mix as waste. Carbon footprint calculations validated by Carbonfund.org in November, 2011.