KCI has agreed a deal to acquire substantially all of the assets and intellectual property of patient handling technology specialist TechniMotion Medical.

The agreement will allow KCI to take control of a wide portfolio of ergonomic handling systems for acute and post-acute patient care, including patient lifting systems and a reclining chair for use in bed transfers.

KCI described the TechniMotion range as representing a "natural fit" with its existing array of products designed to deliver improved outcomes.

The TechniMotion offerings will be launched by KCI this summer via the company's Therapeutic Support Systems (TSS) division, which sells beds and mattress replacement systems, as well as wound and bariatric care devices.

Steve Seidel, global president of TSS, said: "TechniMotion's lift provides greater patient comfort and can be handled by just one caregiver, potentially reducing the risk of injury and bringing real efficiencies to the hospital and home care setting."

In October 2010, KCI launched its new Skin IQ Microclimate Manager therapeutic surface, which can help to protect patients from the risk of pressure ulcers.