Lawsuit on the S670 Stent
by: cashcow75
3/29/00 3:25 pm
Msg: 5653 of 5653
NATICK, Mass., March 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX - news) announced today that
it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Medtronic AVE, Inc. to enforce the Bonzel Rapid Exchange patent rights it
acquired with Schneider Worldwide in September 1998. The suit, filed in United States District Court for the Northern
District of California, alleges that the S670 Rapid Exchange Coronary Stent System manufactured and sold by Medtronic
AVE, Inc. infringes the Bonzel patent. Boston Scientific is seeking damages as well as preliminary and permanent injunctive
relief.
Rapid exchange technology, also referred to as Monorail(TM) catheter technology, allows physicians to more easily
exchange balloon catheters during a procedure. The ability to exchange devices rapidly is important because it helps reduce
both procedure time and costs. The use of rapid exchange technology also improves patient comfort and safety.
Jim Tobin, Boston Scientific President and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the lawsuit, ``We made a major
investment in acquiring the Schneider business and its intellectual property rights. The Bonzel patent protects the use of rapid
exchange technology which offers procedural advantages to interventional cardiologists. It is preferred by many physicians.
Boston Scientific will vigorously enforce and protect its intellectual property.' |
