Maquet Cardiovascular LLC Launches Advanced VASOVIEW Technology for Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting Procedures in Cardiac Surgery

WAYNE, N.J., July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- MAQUET Cardiovascular today announced the launch of its VASOVIEW HEMOPRO 2 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting (EVH) System, which utilizes next-generation HEMOPRO cut-and-seal technology to reduce thermal spread and to achieve optimal conduit quality for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients. The minimally invasive VASOVIEW HEMOPRO 2 system is an example of MAQUET Cardiovascular's commitment to EVH, and technologies that promote the highest level of conduit quality.

"I expect VASOVIEW HEMOPRO 2 to lead the way in redefining best practices for EVH," said Valavanur Subramanian, M.D., Chairman, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. "Surgeons across the United States will welcome this innovative EVH product in their practices as it offers important new features such as zero thermal spread (when used in accordance with the Instructions for Use) that can help improve cardiac surgery outcomes."

After recently trying this new product with a number of CABG patients, Keith Causey, Chief Physician Assistant from Emory Healthcare, agrees. "My objective as a harvester is to provide the best conduit quality possible for long-term graft patency and clinical success. The improvements to this HEMOPRO 2 system made my vessel harvesting experience better and I am thoroughly convinced it represents a new gold standard in both saphenous vein and radial artery harvesting. I appreciate the spot cautery feature and am especially impressed by the superior sealing capability. This new EVH system is a victory for patients".

The newly designed HEMOPRO 2 Jaws feature a unique insulated area, providing the main conduit maximum protection during side branch dissection. The HEMOPRO 2 Jaws also feature an enhanced edge for spot cautery to provide a clearer working tunnel and extended cutting capability to allow cutting even from within the innermost corner of the tool. These design changes improve the robustness of the EVH procedure and are easy for users to learn.

The VASOVIEW HEMOPRO 2 System can be used in conjunction with the new VASOSHIELD Pressure Controlling Syringe, also recently introduced by MAQUET Cardiovascular. For a harvested artery or vein, the VASOSHIELD Pressure Controlling Syringe helps prevent overdistension during vessel preparation steps, thus protecting endothelial integrity. Uncontrolled pressure with a standard syringe may cause overdistension of the vessel prior to surgery, which can injure the endothelial lining of the vessel, potentially affecting long term patency results.

"No other company offers this same powerful combination of new tools to help preserve conduit quality for EVH and cardiac surgery patients. We continue to lead the way by delivering technology advancements that are simple to use yet can improve clinical outcomes and enhance quality of life," said Christian Keller, President and CEO, MAQUET Cardiovascular.

About EVH

During EVH, a healthy blood vessel, such as the saphenous vein, from the leg, or the radial artery, from the arm, is removed through a small incision, for use during CABG surgery to bypass a blockage in the heart. EVH has been shown to reduce postoperative pain, recovery time, infection rates and scarring and allow patients to walk sooner and recover more quickly than with conventional open vein harvesting surgery. Since the first system for EVH was launched in 1997, more than 1 million procedures have been performed.

About MAQUET Cardiovascular

MAQUET Cardiovascular was formed in 2003 and is a leader in providing innovative products for cardiac surgery, vascular intervention and cardiac support to hospitals and clinics and the cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, perfusionists and other healthcare professionals who care for patients with cardiovascular disease. MAQUET Cardiovascular is focused on providing clinicians with future-oriented technology that fits into their daily practice and improves the therapeutic management of patients. MAQUET Cardiovascular continues to invest in the development of innovative technologies and solutions that advance clinical practice, improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.

MAQUET Cardiovascular provides healthcare professionals with products in four business units: Cardiopulmonary (perfusion products), Cardiac Surgery (clampless beating heart and endoscopic vessel harvesting), Vascular Interventions (grafts for vascular surgery), and Cardiac Assist (intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation therapy).

About The MAQUET Group

The MAQUET Group is the global market leader for Medical Systems, focusing on the Operating Room (OR), Cath Lab, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Patient Transport. The integrated products of MAQUET are specially designed to deliver optimal clinical treatment and therapeutic applications 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, complex aortic surgery reconstruction, peripheral interventions and extracorporeal circulation. * Critical Care for intensive care ventilators and anesthesia machines * Surgical Workplaces for OR tables, lights and ceiling service units, flexible room design for OR, Cath Lab and ICU as well as digital OR integration.

MAQUET is a subsidiary of the publicly-listed Swedish GETINGE GROUP, a company with around $3 billion in revenue (2009 fiscal year) and 12,100 employees worldwide. In 2009 MAQUET itself generated revenue of around $1.5 billion. The company now has more than 5,000 employees in 36 international sales and service organizations, as well as a network of more than 250 sales representatives. Twelve manufacturing sites are located in 6 countries.

www.maquet.com

www.getingegroup.com

MAQUET – The Gold Standard.

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