GE Healthcare's MAC 800 ECG device to aid medical support at Vancouver 2010 Paralymipc Winter Games

GE HEALTHCAREMar 15 2010

MAC(R) 800 Makes Debut in Canada; Features Innovative SMS Keypad on Board

GE Healthcare' announced today that the company's portable ECG (electrocardiograph) device, the MAC 800, will be implemented in both Vancouver and Whistler to help support physician care of athletes, trainers and visitors throughout the Vancouver 2010 Paralymipc Winter Games.

Recently receiving a medical device license from Health Canada, GE Healthcare's MAC 800 has the features of a full size, ECG device, engineered down to under seven pounds, with a clear color display and an integrated carrying handle to enable medical teams to get immediate information regarding the overall health and functioning of a patient's heart. Units will be deployed in the Vancouver and Whistler Polyclinics, the Vancouver Paralympic Center, Whistler Olympic Park and at BC Place for both the opening and closing ceremonies.

"GE is committed to improving access to healthcare technologies around the world and this type of innovation can make an immediate impact in providing clinical support to medical teams in Canada," said Peter Robertson, General Manager of GE Healthcare Canada. "The MAC 800's compact size will help medical teams take healthcare support to the patient during the Paralympic Games while still maintaining connectivity to larger clinics and medical institutions."

The MAC 800 features an innovative keypad with a T9 SMS-style mobile phone keypad design and quick access function keys to help simplify and speed ECG operations. Combined with outstanding ECG analysis, the technology will help clinicians diagnose patients faster and more efficiently at the point of care.

Connectivity within a physician's work environment is a key to coordinated care and improved diagnoses. MAC 800 helps to make that vision a reality through its multiple communication options that fit the needs of most practices, including LAN, modem, SD card and serial port to store and send ECG data from a wide variety of locations. Additionally, MAC 800 offers the option of a PDF or XML output for recognized storing and data sharing. MAC 800 also connects to a variety of vendors' EMR solutions via Cardiosoft, GE's cardiology information software system, creating a fully digital ECG workflow.

"GE's MAC 800 ECG technology will play a big role in assisting medical care at the Paralympic Games and we are excited to have it on board," said Jack Taunton, chief medical officer of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. "Its ability to store, send and analyze ECG data in a variety of ways will provide us the flexibility and connectivity needed to get information, helping to improve access to heart care."

MAC 800 is one of GE's first healthymagination validated products for increasing access to basic ECG testing, helping to improve the quality of care through its proven 12SL analytical capabilities and reduce cost of ownership.