The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance to Covidien's Nellcor respiration rate version 1.0 software and the adult respiratory sensor.
Covidien respiratory and monitoring solutions chief medical officer Scott Kelley said the addition of respiration rate to the company’s Nellcor respiratory function portfolio provides a holistic monitoring solution using a single, integrated sensor.
"Instead of merely knowing a patient’s blood oxygen levels, we can now look at aspects of ventilation, or the passing of air into and out of the body," Kelley added.
"This gives healthcare professionals a more complete picture of a patient’s respiratory status, so they can provide effective treatment and maintain patient safety."