Tsongas Visits Lawrence-based Medical Device Maker NxStage Med...( Lauds Company for Healthcare ...),Health

Lauds Company for Healthcare Innovation, Creating Local Jobs

LAWRENCE, Mass., Feb. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fifth District Congresswoman Niki Tsongas visited local medical device manufacturer NxStage Medical, Inc., at the company's headquarters in Lawrence last week. NxStage Medical is a growing public company whose novel portable technology makes it possible for people with kidney failure to have hemodialysis treatment at home or where they travel, and on a more frequent basis.

Tsongas met with representatives of NxStage, was briefed on its technology, and toured the company's facilities in the renovated Heritage Place mill complex at 439 South Union Street.

"I was pleased to visit NxStage last week to learn more about the exciting products and technology being developed by this innovative employer," said Tsongas. "NxStage is a leader in the healthcare industry and its presence in Lawrence exemplifies the kind of ground-breaking enterprise that is flourishing here in the Fifth District while providing outstanding local jobs."

Tsongas also met and talked with 34-year-old Marblehead-resident and NxStage patient Vanessa Evans, who is a part-time Spanish teacher and mother of two children. Evans began in-center hemodialysis in 1996, but after having her first child, the time commitment and physical toll of her treatments became too burdensome. Evans began training on the NxStage System One so she could have dialysis on a more frequent basis at home, on her own schedule.

"I was moved by Vanessa's story, which illustrated the tremendous benefits that the products developed by NxStage provide for those suffering from chronic kidney disease," said Tsongas.

"We are grateful to Congresswoman Tsongas for taking the time to visit, learn about our technology, and hear our views on the importance of achieving more favorable Medicare reimbursement for daily home therapy, which is not only less costly to perform and more con
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