Linde Healthcare at MEDICA: Launch of LIV® IQ Cylinder Sets a Benchmark for Mobile Oxygen Therapy

PULLACH, Germany, November 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The new generation of oxygen cylinders, with an integrated pressure regulator that calculates and shows remaining time to the exact minute. LIV® IQ is also equipped with various visible and audible alerts which enhance patient safety in mobile oxygen therapy. All together, these features free up time for healthcare professionals to concentrate on the patient and enable a cost-effective use of cylinder content.

Today Linde Healthcare, a global business unit of The Linde Group, presents LIV^® IQ, the intelligent generation of oxygen cylinders with integrated pressure regulators, to a broad audience of healthcare professionals at the MEDICA in Düsseldorf, Germany. LIV^® IQ is the first cylinder that shows the remaining time, calculated from the content of the cylinder, and the set flow rate on a large and clear digital display. So from now on, the uncertainty of guessing how long the cylinder content will last is replaced by factual information, enabling the cost-effective use of the oxygen cylinder whilst reducing the frequency of cylinder changes.

Dr Christian Wojczewski, Head of Linde Healthcare, said: "Linde Healthcare is excited to present the new digital and intelligent generation of cylinder valves with integrated pressure regulator. We believe that LIV^® IQ will move mobile oxygen therapy into the digital age and significantly raise safety, convenience and cost-effectiveness. Thus, healthcare professionals in hospital settings, as well as those in emergency care such as ambulances, will now have more time to focus on patient care instead of monitoring cylinder content."

Various visible and audible alerts give the user an additional guidance in various situations, such as when the cylinder is running low, the actual flow to the patient does not comply with the set flow, or when the temperature is too high or too low. Further safety mechanisms include a visible and audible alert if the shut-off valve is closed and a flow other than "0" is selected. Like the current generation product, the LIV^® IQ is MRI Conditional and can be placed as close as 30 cm to the opening of a 3,0 Tesla magnet.

All hospitals rely on a seamless supply of gases, such as oxygen. For patients who have been prescribed oxygen therapy, it is very important to continue the therapy also during transportation to the hospital or between departments inside the hospital. Mobile gas cylinders like LIV® IQ are the ideal solution for a continuous oxygen therapy in all situations.

About Linde Healthcare

Linde Healthcare is a global business unit of The Linde Group. It is present in over 50 countries, and has been extensively involved in the development of therapies and diagnostic procedures, where gases, gas technology or gas competence is needed. In surgeries, emergency services, intensive care, clinics and home care, the company offers a broad spectrum of products and services to effectively support medical practitioners and their patients. Linde Healthcare co-operates with researchers in hospitals and universities as well as a global network of physicians, clinicians and technicians working on the frontlines.

About The Linde Group

The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 63,000 employees in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2012 financial year, Linde generated revenue of EUR 15.280 bn. The strategy of the Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment - in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, see The Linde Group online at http://www.linde.com

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