We knew this....
Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association
Long Term Angina Relief Data Conclusively Demonstrates the CO2 Heart Laser's
Clinical Efficacy
FRANKLIN, Mass., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- PLC Systems Inc. (Amex: PLC)
today announced that the American Heart Association (AHA) has accepted an
abstract for oral presentation titled "Sustained Angina Relief Five Years
after Transmyocardial Revascularization with a CO2 Laser." Dr. Keith Horvath,
assistant professor of surgery at Northwestern University Medical School,
Chicago, Illinois will present the five year angina relief results at the 73rd
Scientific Sessions of the AHA to be held in New Orleans, LA on November 13-
15, 2000.
Dr. Horvath stated, "The data that will be presented will definitively
show that angina relief demonstrated at one year follow-up is maintained for
more than five years. It is my understanding, to date, that the CO2
technology is the only TMR laser that has reported and published long term
results."
"These long term results confirm our belief that the CO2 Heart Laser
provides a superior technology for TMR," stated Mark R. Tauscher, President
and CEO of PLC Systems. "Reporting the five year angina relief data
represents a clinical milestone, which validates the long term therapeutic
benefits of CO2 TMR. We believe that the excellent clinical benefits of CO2
TMR were recognized when HCFA issued Medicare Reimbursement for TMR in 1999,
which allows Medicare patients nationally the opportunity to receive the TMR
revascularization option. Our current customer base continues to recognize
the significant patient outcomes of CO2 TMR and I expect these positive
outcomes will assist in potential hospitals acquiring PLC's unique CO2 TMR
technology."
PLC is the global leader in the development of products for performing a
surgical procedure known as carbon dioxide (CO2) transmyocardial
revascularization (TMR). CO2 TMR offers a innovative medical treatment option
for patients who suffer from severe coronary artery disease. Coronary artery
disease, the leading cause of death in the United States and Europe, is
expected to increase as the worldwide population continues to age.
Working with leading researchers and premier heart surgery centers around
the world, PLC developed the world's first FDA-approved TMR device, a high-
powered laser known as The Heart Laser System. Designed to perform TMR in the
safest manner possible, The Heart Laser was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration for the treatment of areas of the heart not amenable to direct
revascularization. There are an estimated 600,000 cardiac revascularization
procedures that are performed annually in the United States.
For more information on PLC and its products, please visit the Company's
Web site at plcmed.com or www.bloodlinelaser.com.
Note: Certain of the above statements are forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from
those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of
factors, including operational changes, competitive developments, regulatory
approval requirements, the ability to convince health care professionals and
third party payers of the medical and economic benefits of The Heart Laser
System, no assurance that all payers will reimburse health care providers who
perform TMR procedures or that reimbursement, if provided, will be adequate,
no assurance that the Company's fee-per-use sales and marketing strategy will
be successful, the Company's need for additional financing to fund operations
and risk factors described in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2000 and in its other
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
John Jordan
Director of Investor Relations
508-541-8800, ext. 145
SOURCE PLC Systems Inc.
-0- 08/17/2000
/CONTACT: John Jordan, Director of Investor Relations, of PLC Systems
Inc., 508-541-8800 ext. 145/
/Web site: plcmed.com
(PLC)
CO: PLC Systems Inc.
ST: Massachusetts
IN: MTC
SU:
EO-LZ
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