Devices Distribution

 News Release - October 6, 2009

Medline Signs Exclusive Agreement to Distribute Polymedic Regional Anesthesia Medical Devices and Single-Use Products

Products Include Peripheral Nerve Blocks and Newly Designed Ultrasound Needles

MUNDELEIN, IL, Oct. 6, -- (HSMN NewsFeed) - Medline Industries, Inc., the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare supplies, announced today the signing of an exclusive agreement with te me na SAS to distribute Polymedic brand regional anesthesia medical devices and single-use products in the U.S. and Canada. The agreement includes peripheral nerve blocks with and without stimulation, as well as newly designed ultrasound needles that provide clearer vision of the needle's tip for precise injection near nerves.

For regional anesthesia, which includes spinal blocks, epidural blocks and peripheral (arm, leg or head) nerve blocks, an anesthesiologist injects medication near a cluster of nerves to numb only the area of the body that requires surgery. Spinal and epidural blocks involve interrupting sensation from the legs or abdomen by injecting local anesthetic medication in or near the spinal canal. Other blocks can be performed for surgery on extremities, or limbs, blocking sensations from the arm or leg.

"We are excited to be partnering with te me na, as they have been serving the European market with these products for over 20 years," said Tim Finnigan, president of Medline's Anesthesia and Electrosurgical Division. "Regional anesthesia is a growing type of procedure in hospitals and surgery centers, and Polymedic will be a great addition to our current product tray offering."

te me na SAS was founded in 1987 by Wilhelm Waskonig and specializes in regional anesthesia products. The company is based in France, where they are the market leader, with operations in Spain and Germany.

About Medline Industries, Inc.

Medline, the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products, manufactures and distributes more than 100,000 products to hospitals, extended-care facilities, surgery centers, home care dealers and agencies and other markets. Headquartered in Mundelein, Ill., Medline has more than 800 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services.

Meeting the highest level of national and international quality standards, Medline is FDA QSR compliant and ISO 13485 registered. Medline serves on major industry quality committees to develop guidelines and standards for medical product use, including the FDA Midwest Steering Committee, AAMI Sterilization and Packaging Committee and various ASTM committees. For more information on Medline, visit our Web site, www.Medline.com.

Source: Medline Industries

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