Fresenius acquires Hema Metrics' Crit-Line monitoring products
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Dialysis specialist Fresenius Medical Care has acquired Hema Metrics’ Crit-Line system, a noninvasive patient monitoring tool. The deal, which is already closed, is worth up to $25m; $12m was paid upfront and the remainder will be paid as milestones between now and 2016. The device uses photo-optical technology to measure blood parameters including haematocrit, percent blood volume change, and continuous oxygen saturation; monitoring these can help clinicians improve fluid management during haemodialysis and manage anaemia. Bad Homburg, Germany-based Fresenius described the technology as an “excellent fit” with its 2008K, 2008K2 and 2008T dialysis machines, and hopes to make Crit-Line the standard of care for fluid and anaemia management in North America. Crit-Line received 510(k) clearance from the US FDA in October 2010, and is also CE marked for sale in Europe. Chronic kidney failure affects about 1.9 million people worldwide.