CHF Solutions  announced today that it is increasing the production staff that assembles its next-generation Aquadex SmartFlow consoles after increased demand from hospitals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Aquadex SmartFlow system is designed to remove excess fluid from patients suffering from hypervolemia (fluid overload). It is indicated for temporary (up to eight hours) of ultrafiltration treatment for patients who have failed diuretic therapy and for extended (more than eight hours) in patients who failed diuretic therapy and require hospitalization.

According to a news release, CHF Solutions saw increased demand for the Aquadex Smartflow after the company announced the system’s capabilities for treating critically ill patients amid the spread of coronavirus. That led to the Eden Prairie, Minn.-based company doubling its production staff. CHF Solutions declined to disclose the total number of staffers involved in the increase. According to its latest annual report, CHF Solutions had 66 full-time employees as of February.

A recent protocol released by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the need for effective fluid management treatment when caring for patients in critical care because there is a high risk of volume overload. Aquadex SmartFlow is capable of removing excess fluid from patients being treated with fluid resuscitation as part of treating coronavirus, according to the company

“It is important for medical teams to quickly be aware of all of the tools available to treat these critically ill patients and have sufficient supply of life-saving devices,” CHF Solutions CEO John Erb said in the news release. “We have hired and trained more production builders at our manufacturing facility in Minnesota to ensure that physicians, nurses and the clinical staff have the solutions they need to treat patients impacted with COVID-19.”