Ventus Medical has announced the availability of a non-invasive treatment for mild, moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in Ontario, Canada.
Provent sleep apnoea therapy features a MicroValve design which is placed over the nostrils and secured with hypoallergenic adhesive.
Using nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP), the therapy keeps the patient’s airway open during sleep, which otherwise will collapse and lead to fatigue, early morning headaches, irritability, depression, learning and memory difficulties and sexual dysfunction.
Recent studies have also shown that OSA is associated with high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, strokes and diabetes, according to the company.
Ventus Medical chief medical officer Philip Westbrook said the company believes that the clinically-proven Provent therapy is an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure treatment used for the large number of people affected by OSA in Canada.
"Provent has been used effectively in the United States since 2008 and in clinical studies, Provent therapy improved quality of sleep while it reduced apnoea (breathing disruptions), daytime sleepiness and snoring," Westbrook added.
"Importantly, Provent is easy to use, portable and discreet for use at home or when travelling."
Ventus Medical president and chief executive officer Peter Wyles said: "As we look at global market opportunities for Provent therapy, Canada fits directly into our corporate strategy, which is to target markets where three factors come together: high prevalence of OSA, acceptance of innovative therapies and importantly, a need for new therapeutic options that address low patient compliance."
The company said its Provent therapy will be made available throughout Canada in June 2013 by its distribution partner, ioSleep.
