Company Press Release
Source: CardioThoracic Systems Inc.
CardioThoracic Systems Introduces Next Generation Beating Heart System
ACCESS MV System Enables Surgeons to Reach Multiple Areas of the Heart
WASHINGTON, May 5, /PRNewswire/ -- CardioThoracic Systems, Inc. (CTS) (Nasdaq:CTSI) announced today the introduction of the ACCESS MV(TM) System, the next generation of its beating heart bypass system. The ACCESS MV toolset is designed so surgeons can use it in multiple sites and should enable surgeons to perform multiple vessel off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery with greater ease on a beating heart.
The announcement was made here at the American Association of Thoracic Surgeons Conference.
The ACCESS MV System is designed to give surgeons greater anatomical reach and provide improved stabilization of the heart, creating easier access and facilitating multiple vessel procedures. The new ACCESS MV Stabilizer incorporates an improved design which is lengthened and formed in an arc so that surgeons can reach more remote areas of the heart through various access points. In addition, the Stabilizer is equipped with a lockable articulating foot that allows it to conform to the contours of the heart and utilizes CTS' new proprietary EPI-GRIP(TM) technology that improves the presentation and isolation of the bypass site. CTS expects to begin commercial shipments of the ACCESS MV System in the third quarter of this year.
CTS is also introducing the CTS Coronary Anastomotic Shunt that helps keep the operating field clear of blood while protecting the heart through distal perfusion. The company has filed a 510(k) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the shunt and is awaiting clearance to market the product in the United States.
``We are pleased to roll out the next generation of minimally invasive products for cardiothoracic surgery,'' said Richard Ferrari, CTS president and chief executive officer. ``Our ACCESS MV System is designed to provide surgeons with an even more flexible system to treat a larger patient population, bringing more people the benefits of beating heart surgery including decreased patient trauma, patient recovery time and cost as compared to traditional stopped-heart procedures.''
CardioThoracic Systems, Inc., Cupertino, Calif., is a leading developer of proprietary technologies in minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery. The company's first released product, the CTS MIDCAB(TM) System, is a single-use set of instruments designed to enable cardiothoracic surgeons to perform minimally invasive cardiac surgery on a beating heart. CTS is also developing technologies in the areas of minimally invasive valve repair and replacement and saphenous vein harvesting. The company's stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol CTSI.
This news release, including statements regarding demand for CTS products, the company's new products under development and the success of the commercialization of the ACCESS MV System, contains forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties, including uncertainties associated with availability and market acceptance of new products, clinical adoption of beating heart procedures, competitive products and procedures and the management of growth. Actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of those and other factors, including factors set forth in the company's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 1997. Copies of the Annual Report on Form 10-K are available by calling the company's investor relations department at 408-342-1700.
For more information on CardioThoracic Systems, Inc. via fax at no cost, dial 800-PRO-INFO (908-544-2850 outside the U.S.), ticker symbol: CTSI.
SOURCE: CardioThoracic Systems Inc |
