The ATS 2014 International Conference May 16-21, 2014, in San Diego bridges science and patient care. (Photo courtesy of Hawkins Productions)

The American Thoracic Society International Conference has steadily grown into one of the largest gatherings of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep clinicians and researchers in the world since its inception in 1905. Each year, organizers listen to their colleagues and ATS members, and commit themselves to building on what attendees find invaluable.

The ATS 2014 International Conference in San Diego is a clear reflection of this pursuit.

More than 500 sessions, 800 speakers, and 5,700 original research abstracts and case reports will be presented at ATS 2014 from May 16 to 21 at the San Diego Convention Center.

What attendees will find is that the Exhibit Hall is a vast extension of the ATS 2014 educational experience. It’s your destination to learn about the latest therapies, medical devices, publications, and research services. Attendees can meet with experts, participate in live demonstrations, and compare products and services.

“I found some new and amazing technologies presented in the Exhibit Hall,” says Ali Sadoughi, MD, who attended ATS 2013 as part of the Fellowship Track Symposium. “The new technologies in interventional pulmonary, including navigational bronchoscopy, rotary EBUS, and one-way bronchial valve, were amazing. I was able to familiarize myself easily with these technologies since they were easily accessible in the Exhibit Hall.”

Exhibitors will give ATS 2014 attendees the first look at advanced medical devices and new therapies, and the results from clinical trials.

For example, ECOMEDICS in Booth 4326 is presenting its EXHALYZER® D and CLD 88 sp analyzers. Representatives will demonstrate how to conduct exhaled NO and nasal NO tests, as well as how the nitrogen multiple breath washout (N2MBW) test is done. (Note: Eco Medics will not have gas cylinders in its booth to perform the actual test of N2MBW.) Attendees will also get a glimpse of the company’s latest software release.

GlaxoSmithKline in Booth 3117 will share the benefits of ANORO™ ELLIPTA™ (umeclidinium and vilanterol inhalation powder), which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This combination anticholinergic/long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist is indicated for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. The makers note that Anoro Ellipta is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or the treatment of asthma. The FDA-approved strength is umeclidinium/vilanterol 62.5 mcg/25 mcg, according to the makers.

In nearby Booth 3716, Hill Rom is presenting hands-on demonstrations of the Vest® System and MetaNeb® System. The Vest System has been prescribed for more than 123,000 patients with a variety of conditions to aid in the mobilization of retained secretions. The MetaNeb System, the newest product in the respiratory care portfolio, is indicated for lung expansion therapy, mobilization of secretions, and treatment and prevention of pulmonary atelectasis.

With experts in Booths 4021 and 4031, InterMune will show the results of its third Phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled trial, ASCEND. This investigation looked at the safety and efficacy of pirfenidone in IPF. InterMune also will showcase many interactive activities around various aspects of IPF disease education.

Meda Pharmaceuticals in Booth 4631 will release Aerospan™, an inhaler for the treatment of asthma that contains the active substance flunisolide. Aerospan has shown in clinical studies to have a high deposition of active drug in the airways as a result of a built-in inhalation chamber. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Aerospan showed no significant negative effect on linear growth in children with asthma.

In Booth 4632, Merit Endotek will feature BIG60™,  a convenient, flexible, easy-to-use inflation device, and AERO®, a tracheobronchial stent. The BIG60 brings a complete no-assembly design, easy one-handed control, and accurate, high-visibility pressure readings together into a uniquely capable and convenient inflation device for pulmonary and gastroenterology balloon dilation. AERO, with its unique geometric design, advanced polyurethane coating, and precise proprietary delivery systems, helps users deliver the best possible clinical outcomes every time a patient’s airway is accessed.

Olympus is further expanding its EVIS EXERA III BF-190 bronchoscope lineup with the launch of two new bronchoscopes, the BF-XP190 and BF-P190, in Booth 4907. Both bronchoscopes offer the unique rotary function that allows the insertion tube to be rotated up to 120 degrees left and right, facilitating more precise control and exceptional access in the tracheobronchial tree. This feature also provides smoother insertion and better positioning of endoscopic devices. The BF-XP190 has an ultra-thin design with a 2.8 mm insertion tube and 1.2 mm working channel, making it ideal for small anatomy bronchoscopy. The BF-P190 has a 4.1 mm insertion tube with a 2.0 mm working channel that makes it particularly useful for peripheral bronchoscopy, especially when used with the Olympus EBUS radial probe and Guide Sheath Kit.

PneumaCare in Booth 3939 will introduce the Thora3DI™ all-in-one design and the latest release of their PneumaView™ 3D analysis software. The new design is supported by an independent four-hour battery supply and mobile operating platform, allowing for measurement of tidal breathing in a seated or supine patient position. The latest software provides full chest wall movement analysis, delivering a real-time dynamic assessment of left and right thoracic symmetry, tidal inspiration/expiration flow loops and the relationship between chest and abdominal wall movement. This is fully customizable to allow any area of the chest or abdomen to be related to another.

With these exhibitors and many others presenting the latest technologies and therapies, you will leave the Exhibit Hall better prepared to improve your research, practice, investigations, and patient care.