Bispectral Index Monitoring Enables "Fast-Tracking" in Ambulatory Surgery Center, Study Finds

DALLAS (PROTEXT) - Researchers at Harvard Medical SchoolReplicate Controlled Clinical Trial Findings in Study of RoutinePractice Researchers from Harvard Medical School have found that use ofBispectral Index(R) (BIS(R)) monitoring in routine practiceenables at least 35 percent of patients to be "fast-tracked"after surgery. These findings will be presented today in a postersession at the annual meeting of the American Society ofAnesthesiologists (ASA) in Dallas. Fast-tracking is a process by which ambulatory surgical careis optimized and streamlined, enabling eligible patients toreturn home more rapidly. Surgical teams utilize advancedanesthetic drugs and medical devices in a fast-tracking protocol,with the goal of having patients more alert at the end ofsurgery. This allows them to bypass the traditional, intensivecare-like recovery room (called a Phase 1 Post Anesthesia CareUnit, or PACU), proceed directly to a less intensive post-anesthesia recovery area (the Phase 2 PACU), and be eligible fordischarge from the healthcare facility more quickly. Many hospitals are employing BIS monitoring as an enablingtechnology for fast-tracking. The device allows anesthesiologiststo better customize anesthesia for each patient, facilitatingreduced drug use, faster and more predictable patient wake-uptimes after surgery, and improved patient recovery fromanesthesia. "BIS monitoring, combined with modern anesthetic drugs andtechniques, enabled us to decrease Phase 1 PACU admissions andreduce overall length of stay, resulting in fewer hours utilizedin PACU," said James B. Mayfield, M.D., Associate Director ofAmbulatory Anesthesia and Recovery Services at MassachusettsGeneral Hospital and an Instructor in Anesthesia at HarvardMedical School. According to Dr. Mayfield, who was the lead investigator onthe study, fast-tracking allows for rapid discharge withoutcompromising patient safety or satisfaction. "We wereconservative when establishing bypass criteria, since we wantedto ensure patient care and satisfaction weren't jeopardized inthe process of streamlining the recovery process," Dr. Mayfieldsaid, noting that none of the fast-tracked patients reportedbeing dissatisfied. "In fact, fast-tracked patients reportedpositive surgical experiences, commenting that they appreciatedthe relaxed atmosphere in our Phase 2 recovery lounge and theability to go home quickly." The results of this real-world study mirror results achievedin controlled clinical trials. "Research conducted in such trialshas shown that the use of BIS monitoring enables more than 40percent of patients to be eligible for fast-tracking," said PaulManberg, Ph.D., Vice President of Clinical, Regulatory, andQuality Assurance at Aspect Medical Systems, the developer of BIStechnology. "The Harvard study demonstrates that equivalentresults can be achieved in routine practice." While the study was not designed to evaluate the economics offast-tracking, the researchers estimate that savings from fast-tracking may exceed the costs for acquiring and maintaining themonitors. Further research is underway to examine the cost-benefit associated with employing BIS monitoring in a fast-tracking protocol. A copy of the abstract is available upon request and on theWorld Wide Web at www.asa-abstracts.com. Additionally, a videocase study examining fast-tracking is airing in major conferencehotels during the ASA and is available upon request by contactingAspect Medical Systems. About BIS Monitoring Developed in collaboration with leading anesthesiologists, BIStechnology uses patented signal processing to provide anoninvasive, direct means of measuring the effects of anestheticson the brain. BIS monitors use a sensor placed on the forehead tocapture the EEG signals, which are translated into a singlenumber ranging from 100 (for wide awake) to zero (indicating theabsence of brain electrical activity). To date, more than 350scientific publications from trials document the efficacy andclinical outcome benefits of BIS monitoring. Since its commercialintroduction in October 1996, more than 450 healthcare facilitiesnationwide have adopted the BIS monitor. BIS technology isavailable in Aspect's A-2000(TM) BIS monitor and has beenlicensed for integration into other manufacturers' monitoringsystems. About Aspect Medical Systems Aspect Medical Systems, Inc. is a privately held medicaltechnology company that develops noninvasive monitoring systemsto improve the cost effectiveness and quality of patient care.The company's systems utilize innovative, patented, digitalsignal processing software linked to proprietary sensors. Formore information, visit the company's web site athttp://www.aspectms.com. Bispectral Index and BIS are registered trademarks of AspectMedical Systems, Inc. A-2000 is a trademark of Aspect MedicalSystems, Inc. ots Original Text Service: Aspect Medical Systems,Inc. Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de Contact: Lorie Fiber,310-577-7870, ext. 109, lfiber@fischerpr.com, or Joni Morford,310-577-7870, ext. 153, jmorford@fischerpr.com, both of Fischer &Partners, Inc., for Aspect Medical Systems, Inc. Web site:http://www.asa-abstracts.com Web site: http://www.aspectms.com

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