Devices Interventional Neurology

 News Release - September 12, 2006

St. Joseph's Hospital Selected as First Upper Midwest Site to Host Patient Trials of New Stroke Device

One of the Country's Busiest Revascularization Centers Adds Groundbreaking Technology to Restore Brain Flow More Quickly, Reduce Damage Caused by Ischemic Stroke

ST. PAUL, MN--(Healthcare Sales & Marketing Network)--Sep 12, 2006 -- St. Joseph's Hospital will be the first site in the Upper Midwest to begin offering a new minimally invasive stroke treatment device which has been reported to have a high success rate in opening blood vessels closed by an acute ischemic stroke.

This non-surgical procedure -- called a mechanical thrombectomy -- uses the Penumbra Stroke System as part of a recently approved FDA trial, and is specifically designed to remove stroke-inducing clots from intracranial vessels.

Penumbra is inserted through a small puncture in the groin. X-ray monitoring then helps maneuver the device safely to the site of the brain clot.

HealthEast interventional neuroradiologist Dr. Michael Madison says the two-part revascularization option developed by Penumbra first uses a catheter to aspirate (suction) the clot. If any residual matter remains, a special removal ring can be used to clasp material within its cylinder and remove it.

Restoring blood flow in a timely manner through the opened vessel means less of the brain dies, limiting the amount of long-term damage a patient experiences following this kind of neurovascular occurrence. Research shows this technique must be performed within 8 hours of stroke onset for optimal results.

Dr. Madison notes, "This is yet another tool we can add to our stroke treatment armory. We are very excited to have the opportunity to participate in this FDA trial because it may represent a significant improvement over the best treatment that is now available for ischemic stroke patients."

Patients between the ages of 18 and 79 are eligible to participate in this safety and efficacy trial. Up to 125 patients across the country will be enrolled in the study.

Ischemic stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability. Each year in the U.S. alone, 700,000 people suffer from a stroke.

St. Joseph's is the only U.S. hospital to create an affiliation with the Barrow Neurological Institute (world-renowned for its pioneering research and leading edge neurological and neurosurgical care.)

HealthEast Care System is a community-focused, non-profit health care system that provides innovative technology, compassionate care and a full spectrum of family health services. HealthEast includes Bethesda Hospital, St. John's Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital and Woodwinds Health Campus as well as outpatient services, clinics, pharmacies and transportation services. Practicing financial responsibility, HealthEast is the largest, locally owned health care organization in the Twin Cities' East Metro with 6,700 employees and 1,400 physicians on staff.

Source: St. Joseph's Hospital

Issuer of this News Release is solely responsible for its content.
Please address inquiries directly to the issuing company.