The company unveiled The Vest APX at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference in Boston. Its system supports daily therapy for adults and children with certain chronic lung conditions and retained secretions. The Vest APX features the same airflow technology as its previous iteration with enhanced comfort and additional patient-centered features. It received FDA 510(k) clearance earlier this year.
Features include a streamlined, lightweight garment that keeps the abdomen free, plus a wicking fabric to keep patient’s cool. Its Velcro brand closure helps provide an optimal fit. Patients can also choose from an expanded selection of garment colors and designs.
The Vest APX also has a user-friendly, intuitive navigation platform on a touch-screen, providing therapy start with the push of one button. This control unit comes in 19% smaller and 30% lighter than the previous version and comes with a carrying case. Patients can also receive support with Baxter’s CARE Connex program, connecting them with clinical experts.
Baxter says patients with chronic lung conditions like cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis can experience mucus blocking small airways in their lungs. Mucus can trap bacteria, which may lead to lung inflammation and infections.
The Vest APX uses high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) technology. This helps dislodge mucus from the bronchial walls and mobilize secretions and mucus from the smaller to larger airways. There, it can be cleared by coughing or suctioning.
Baxter entered the non-invasive respiratory health industry through its 2021 acquisition of Hillrom.
“Many patients who are prescribed this therapy use it multiple times a day, every day,” said Jim O’Connell, president of Front Line Care at Baxter. “With that in mind, it was very important for us to design a solution that fits seamlessly into a patient’s daily routine. The Vest APX system offers next-level comfort, ease of use and portability, all while maintaining the performance patients and caregivers have depended on for years.”
