RhinoChillTM IntraNasal Cooling System Uses Lightweight Bayer MaterialScience LLC Plastic

Anaheim, CA, February 12, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Therapeutic hypothermia administered rapidly following cardiac arrest can help improve survival and limit long-term neurological damage. Novel intra-nasal cooling technology from BeneChill now offers emergency medical personnel a way to initiate cooling of the head in the field sooner and more effectively than traditional methods.

Therapeutic hypothermia is the technique of lowering a person’s body temperature to help reduce the risk of injury to the brain following a period of insufficient blood flow resulting from cardiac arrest, stroke or traumatic brain injury.

BeneChill’s lead product, the RhinoChillTM IntraNasal Cooling System, uses a non-invasive nasal catheter that sprays a rapidly evaporating coolant liquid into a patient’s nasal cavity located directly under the brain, enabling earlier and more effective administration of therapeutic hypothermia.

The RhinoChill System achieves increased portability and toughness by utilizing Bayer MaterialScience LLC Bayblend® FR3010 polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) plastic in many device components, including the control panel cover, control knob, battery compartment and cover, and bottle holder.

“We chose this material for its impact strength, flame resistance, chemical resistance and because it offers a lightweight alternative to metal,” said Del Doty, engineering manager, BeneChill. “The material can also be pre-colored, which eliminates the need for secondary painting operations, reducing production costs.”

Bayblend FR3010 plastic is a flame-retardant blend of Makrolon® PC and ABS that is antimony, bromine and chlorine-free. Bayblend FR3010 plastic is noted for its combination of high impact strength, high heat resistance and mechanical performance. The material is naturally opaque, can be pre-colored, and is supplied in pellet form for a wide variety of injection molding applications.

“We’ve worked closely with BeneChill to provide the optimal material for components of this amazing technology, which provides portability and adaptability beyond the walls of a hospital,” said Kevin Dunay, market leader, Consumer and Medical, Polycarbonates NAFTA, Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

A recently-published European clinical study has shown that the RhinoChill System administered in the field enabled head temperature to reach target several hours earlier than in patients cooled in the hospital. Neurologically intact survival was significantly improved in patients where CPR was initiated within ten minutes of cardiac arrest, compared with patients who received hospital cooling alone.

Recently-updated guidelines on resuscitation jointly published by the American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council recommend routine use of therapeutic hypothermia, and advise that starting cooling during cardiac arrest may be most beneficial.

The RhinoChillTM IntraNasal Cooling System was scheduled to be launched in select European markets in December 2010. It is scheduled to be available in the United States following regulatory approvals.

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,300 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2009 sales of 7.5 billion euros. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

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