Diagnostic equipment is a crucial element in the treatment of sleep disorders. Daniel Moore, vice president, sales and marketing for Compumedics USA, Fridley, Minn, discusses the company’s role in the sleep industry.

d09a.jpg (10234 bytes)Daniel Moore

Q. How did Compumedics make its way to the United States?

A. Compumedics was established in Melbourne, Australia in 1987, when David Burton, the executive chairman, was approached by Murray Johns, MD, of the Epworth Medical Clinic in Melbourne to design and install the first Australian fully computerized sleep clinic. Following the success of the Epworth Sleep Clinic, Compumedics developed products for the growing sleep diagnostic market with a focus on small, portable recorders. This led to the release in 1991 of Compumedics’ S-Series laboratory sleep system and, later, the P-Series portable systems.

Compumedics obtained FDA clearance for both the S-Series and P-Series systems in 1997, and, in 1999, established a direct office in Minneapolis. In addition to providing a sales and support hub for its US operations, the US office has become the worldwide center for the company’s global marketing and product management.

Q. What special products does Compumedics offer to the professional sleep community?

A. The Siesta is the world’s first portable physiological data recorder that incorporates a unique radio transmission system. Siesta can transmit up to 51 channels of artifact-free data over a wireless Ethernet link, allowing real-time recording to a laboratory’s computer network. EEG patients are free to move about during recording without trailing cables, and sleep laboratories may be installed without the trouble and cost of special cabling. Siesta runs on direct AC or battery power and is effective for laboratory and ambulatory testing for PSG and EEG.

The new Somté—awaiting FDA 510(k) approval—assembles a technologically advanced pager-size recorder with powerful and comprehensive analysis software for the clinician. This investigative tool is designed for “Holter-style” recording of both respiratory and cardiac data. Somté assists in understanding the nature and severity of interrelated respiratory and cardiac diseases.

Q. What is Compumedics’ current position in the world diagnostics market?

A. Compumedics currently operates sales offices in Australia, the United States, Europe, and Singapore. The company leads the sleep diagnostic market in Australia, with a market share of approximately 70%, and a growing international business. In recent years, Compumedics has experienced dramatic growth in the United States. Compumedics will continue to expand its product offering and market arenas in a constant effort to better fill the specific needs of its valued customers.