NEW PRAGUE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electromed, Inc. (NYSE American:ELMD) today announced the results of an independent, outcome-based clinical study presented during the third annual World Bronchiectasis Conference in Washington D.C. The study’s findings reveal that early use of high frequency chest wall oscillation (“HFCWO”) therapy with the SmartVest^® Airway Clearance System significantly reduced severe exacerbations and hospitalizations among non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients. The study is the first to report “stabilization of key lung function parameters” as a result of HFCWO use, suggesting early bronchiectasis treatment with HFCWO may significantly slow the otherwise normal progression of the disease.

“We are thrilled not only by the results of this study, but the significant milestone it represents,” commented Kathleen Skarvan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Electromed. “This is the first independent study to evaluate bronchiectasis-related exacerbations using HFCWO therapy. The results confirm what we’ve said all along: incorporating the SmartVest into bronchiectasis treatment significantly reduces exacerbations and improves patient outcomes.”

Bronchiectasis is an irreversible, chronic lung condition characterized by enlarged and permanently damaged bronchi. The condition is associated with recurrent lower respiratory infections, inflammation, reduction in pulmonary function, impaired respiratory secretion clearance, increased hospitalizations and medication use, and increased morbidity and mortality.^1,2,3

“Preventing exacerbations and maintaining pulmonary function is vital to the health and well-being of bronchiectasis patients,” commented Chet Sievert, Electromed’s Director of Regulatory and Clinical Affairs. “This independent study builds on previously published evidence and clearly demonstrates that bronchiectasis patients can achieve significantly better outcomes with the initiation of SmartVest therapy.”

The SmartVest system uses HFCWO, a clinically proven therapy that helps clear the lungs of excess secretions, thereby reducing the risk of respiratory infections and hospitalizations. HFCWO delivers alternating pulses of air into a vest garment that rapidly compresses and releases the chest wall, resulting in an oscillation in airflow within the airways that acts to loosen, thin, and propel mucus toward the major airways where it can be expectorated.

¹ King PT et al. COPD. 2005;2(1):27-34.
² Alzeer AH et al. BMC Pulm Med. 2007; 7:17.
³ Seitz AE et al. Chest. 2010;138(4):944-949.