Kinetic Concepts Inc. announced that ABThera(TM) Open Abdomen Negative Pressure Therapy System (ABThera(TM) OA NPT) was associated with significantly improved patient outcomes compared to traditional Barker's vacuum-packing technique (BVPT) in trauma and surgical patients studied. In the ABTAC study, 280 trauma and surgical patients who required temporary abdominal closure (TAC) following a damage control laparotomy or treatment of either intra-abdominal hypertension or severe sepsis were enrolled from 20 sites across the US. Among patients treated with at least 48 hours of consistent TAC therapy, the rate of primary fascial closure within 30 days was 69% for the ABThera(TM) OA NPT group and 51% for the BVPT (p=0.03). In this same patient group, the 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 14% for patients treated with ABThera(TM) OA NPT and 30% for those treated with BVPT (p=0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that patients treated with ABThera(TM) Therapy were 3.2 times more likely to survive up to 30 days compared to BVPT patients [(95% confidence interval); p=0.02] after controlling for age, severity of illness and cumulative fluid administration. Leaving the abdomen open during the management of complex abdominal problems has become common practice. However, a prolonged open abdomen can result in fluid loss, infection, loss of abdominal domain, organ dysfunction and death. Clinical research has shown that removing potentially detrimental peritoneal fluid and achieving primary fascial closure are important goals when managing patients who require an open abdomen for the treatment of critical illness. The methods of TAC chosen may play an important role in patient outcomes. The ABThera(TM) Open Abdomen Negative Pressure Therapy System is indicated for temporary bridging of abdominal wall openings where primary closure is not possible and repeat abdominal entries are necessary. This system is intended for use in open abdominal wounds with exposed viscera including, but not limited to, abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). The intended care setting is a closely monitored area within the acute care hospital, such as the ICU. The abdominal dressing will most often be applied in the operating theater.

Kinetic Concepts Inc. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013. For the quarter, the company reported revenue of $415.9 million, down from the prior year comparable period by 3.8% as reported and 3.4% on a constant currency basis before adjusting for the number of calendar days in the quarter compared to the prior-year period due to leap year. Operating earnings for the first quarter of 2013 were $35.5 million. Operating earnings increased during the first quarter of 2013 compared to the prior-year period due primarily to the increase in gross profit and a reduction in acquired intangible asset amortization, partially offset by an increase in merger and restructuring-related expenses and a write-off of $9.4 million of in-process research and development costs due to the discontinuation of certain projects. Adjusted EBITDA was $156,736,000 against $167,512,000 a year ago. Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit was $68,339,000 against $132,449,000 a year ago. Loss from continuing operations was $43,371,000 against $84,998,000 a year ago. Net loss was $44,787,000 against $90,678,000 a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities was $95,579,000 against $98,093,000 a year ago. Additions to property, plant and equipment was $16,043,000 against $15,890,000 a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $156,739,000 against $163,116,000 a year ago. Net capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2013 was $72.9 million compared to $79.6 million in the prior-year period due primarily to higher cash outlays for capital expenditures.

Kinetic Concepts Inc. announced that they will report Q1, 2013 results on May 14, 2013