Devices Cardiology Distribution

 News Release - January 18, 2007

Siemens Medical Solutions and Biosense Webster Extend Strategic Alliance for Siemens' AcuNav Catheters

Biosense Webster To Become Exclusive Worldwide Distributor of AcuNav Catheters to Interventional Cardiologists

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and DIAMOND BAR, Calif., Jan. 18 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Siemens Medical Solutions and Biosense Webster today announced an extension of their strategic alliance to now give Biosense Webster exclusive worldwide rights to distribute Siemens' ACUSON AcuNav(TM) ultrasound catheters to interventional cardiologists. Earlier this year, Biosense Webster was granted exclusive distribution rights to market the catheter to electrophysiologists.

The Siemens AcuNav ultrasound catheters provide physicians with high quality diagnostic images and Doppler blood flow information throughout the entire heart during a cardiac catheterization procedure. Approved for marketing in 1999, AcuNav ultrasound catheters are known for state-of-the-art quality and are currently the world's leading cardiac imaging catheters.

"The integration of these two industry leaders, both focused on providing high quality intracardiac echocardiography products will help physicians improve care for the cardiac patient," said Robert J. Sommer, MD, New York- Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. "Clinicians are looking forward to the innovative products that this collaboration will provide to the medical community."

Biosense Webster is a key player in the electrophysiology and interventional cardiology market and Siemens is an ultrasound industry leader. This expanded strategic alliance will enable the two companies to address the real-time imaging needs of interventional cardiologists.

"Through our work with Biosense Webster, we are moving another step closer to providing the innovative technology needed to handle the growing cardiac patient population," said Klaus Hambuechen, President, Ultrasound Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "Our successful alliance with Biosense Webster in the electrophysiology arena gives us confidence we can continue to advance patient care to new levels with interventional cardiologists."

"We are pleased to extend this strategic alliance with Siemens Medical Solutions Ultrasound Division into the interventional cardiology market. This agreement provides additional opportunities to collaborate with our partners at Siemens to bring to market innovative solutions in electrophysiology and interventional cardiology," said Roy Tanaka, President, Biosense Webster. "Together, Biosense Webster and Siemens will better serve the needs of cardiologists around the world to help millions of patients each year who suffer from cardiovascular disease."

About Siemens Medical Solutions

Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI ) is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. Recent acquisitions in the area of in-vitro diagnostics -- such as Diagnostic Products Corporation and Bayer Diagnostics -- mark a significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service diagnostics company. Employing more than 41,000 people worldwide and operating in over 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06 billion EUR for fiscal 2006 (Sept. 30). Further information can be found by visiting www.usa.siemens.com/medical-pressroom.

About Biosense Webster

Biosense Webster Inc, a Johnson & Johnson Company, pioneered electrophysiology diagnostic catheters more than 30 years ago and continues to lead the industry as an innovative provider of advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and mapping tools. As the leader in navigation systems, Biosense Webster's technology also includes the largest installed base of navigation systems worldwide. With proprietary products such as the CartoMerge(TM) Image Integration Software Module, the ThermoCool® Irrigated Tip Catheter, the Carto® XP System, the NOGA® XP System and the Lasso® Circular Variable Mapping Catheter, the company is changing the way electrophysiologists diagnose and treat arrhythmias.

Source: Siemens Medical Solutions

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