Devices Cardiology

 News Release - August 17, 2009

MAQUET Cardiovascular Launches VASOVISION Endoscopic Visualization System to Further Advance Vessel Harvest During Coronary Bypass Surgery

New Goggle-Based, Heads-Up Display System Designed to Aid Minimally-Invasive Vein Harvesting Methods

WAYNE, N.J., Aug. 17 -- (Healthcare Sales & Marketing Network) -- MAQUET Cardiovascular LLC today announced the introduction of the VASOVISION Endoscopic Visualization System, a heads-up, goggle-based visual display that places the endoscope image within the harvester's natural field of vision during endoscopic vessel harvesting (EVH) procedures. EVH is used to retrieve veins from small incisions in either the arm or leg that can then be used to repair damaged coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.

Worn as eyewear by the healthcare provider retrieving the vein, the VASOVISION system offers crisp, clear views of the harvesting tunnel (the area surrounding the vein to be harvested) and can eliminate the strain associated with poorly placed monitors or field of view challenges commonly found in today's operating rooms. The system is lightweight, comfortable and easy to use with fingertip adjustments for brightness and contrast. This new product is part of the leading VASOVIEW Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting (EVH) portfolio of products from MAQUET Cardiovascular, and will be sold separately as well as in combination with other VASOVIEW products.

"VASOVISION is at the forefront of ergonomic visualization technology for endoscopic vessel harvesting. It is exciting to know that MAQUET remains committed to innovation in cardiac surgery products," said Thomas Langdon, M.D., of Omaha Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery in Nebraska. Dr. Langdon is also director of cardiovascular surgery at the Alegent Health Heart & Vascular Institute in Omaha.

In EVH, a small incision is made in the leg or arm, through which a device is placed and the vessel harvested for a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure. This method significantly reduces wound complications, shortens recovery time and improves the patient's cosmetic outcome compared with the traditional open technique that involves an incision down the entire length of the leg or arm.

MAQUET, a global leader in the field, continues to advance EVH technologies with more than 1 million procedures having been performed using MAQUET products worldwide.

"We are strongly committed to further advancing EVH technology and conduit quality in bypass surgery. VASOVISION is another example of our commitment to enhancing the procedure," said Raoul Quintero, President and CEO, MAQUET Cardiovascular U.S. Sales LLC. "We believe we have developed an important visualization system that can help improve the operating room environment for clinicians wishing to perform EVH."

About MAQUET Cardiovascular

The MAQUET Group is the global market leader for Medical Systems, focusing on the Operating Room (OR) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The integrated products of MAQUET are specially designed to deliver optimal clinical treatment and therapy concepts within acute care hospitals. MAQUET provides innovative medical solutions from three Divisions:

• Cardiovascular with products for cardiac assist (intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation therapy), coronary artery bypass surgery, heart valve repair, aneurysm and vascular repair, peripheral interventions and extracorporeal circulation
• Critical Care for intensive care ventilators and anesthesia machines
• Surgical Workplaces for OR tables, lights and ceiling service units, prefabricated OR and ICU suites as well as telemedicine for the OR integration

MAQUET is a subsidiary of the publicly-listed Swedish group of companies GETINGE AB, a company with over $2.8 billion in revenues (2008 fiscal year) and 12,800 employees worldwide. In 2008 MAQUET itself generated pro-forma revenues (including the acquisition of Datascope Corp.) of over $1.4 billion. The company now has 5,000 employees in 34 international sales and service organizations, as well as a network of more than 200 sales representatives.

www.maquet.com

www.getinge.com

MAQUET - The Gold Standard.

Source: MAQUET Cardiovascular

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