DANVERS, Mass., April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Medwave Inc. , an innovator in sensor-based, non-invasive blood pressure measuring solutions, is working to create mercury-free environments in Boston's free clinics. Medwave will join Health Care Without Harm, a non profit organization devoted to environmentally conscious healthcare practices, at a press conference to announce a plan to distribute free Primo(TM) blood pressure monitors to non-profit clinics that serve underprivileged populations.
"Mercury is one of the greatest environmental threats of our day," said Bill Ravanesi, local coordinator for Health Care Without Harm. "Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can affect the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and liver. We applaud this effort to protect the poorest populations from unnecessary exposures."
The press conference will be held at the Great Hall at Codman Square Health Center located at 637 Washington St. in Dorchester, MA at 1:30 p.m. EDT, on Tuesday, May 2. Attending the event will be Ravanesi and Medwave CEO Tim O'Malley.
The Primo(TM), which retails for approximately $995, comfortably takes blood pressure readings at the wrist and utilizes a sensor-based system that provides a digital systolic and diastolic blood pressure reading in approximately 15 seconds. Unlike the standard cuff-based system, Primo(TM) provides readings that are nearly as accurate as those taken by invasive arterial catheters and does so without the use of mercury.
"As a manufacturer of mercury-free products, we are excited to have the opportunity to create a healthier, safer environment for our community," said O'Malley. "There is no reason why the underprivileged should be exposed to dangerous substances such as mercury when modern, innovative solutions are available, such as Primo(TM)."
Clinics interested in being considered for receiving a free Primo are encouraged to contact Medwave at 1-800-894-7601. Medwave has an internal review process, which involves several representatives of the company's senior management team who will review the request and analyze the nature of the situation, then make the appropriate internal recommendations. Those interested in being considered should contact Mr. Rich Niemczyk, Medwave's Vice President of Support Services.
About Medwave
Medwave, Inc. develops, manufactures, and distributes sensor-based non- invasive blood pressure solutions. The company's suite of products are designed for use in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices and almost anywhere else blood pressure monitoring takes place. Medwave has the required technology clearances to market its technology in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Medwave's technology is installed in over 500 hospitals and clinics worldwide. Medwave trades on the NASDAQ small cap market under the symbol MDWV. For more information, visit http://www.medwave.com .
About Health Care Without Harm
Health Care Without Harm is an international coalition of hospitals and health care systems, medical professionals, community groups, health-affected constituencies, labor unions, environmental and environmental health organizations and religious groups. Health Care Without Harm's mission is to transform the health care industry worldwide, without compromising patient safety or care, so that it is ecologically sustainable and no longer a source of harm to public health and the environment. HCWH does not accept financial support from manufacturers or endorse specific products. For more information, visit http://www.noharm.org .
Statements made in this release that are stated as expectations, plans, anticipations, prospects or future estimates or which otherwise look forward in time are considered "forward-looking statements" and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, which are likely to affect the actual results. The following factors, among others, as well as factors discussed in Medwave's filings with the SEC, have affected and, in the future, could affect Medwave's actual results: resistance to the acceptance of new medical products, the market acceptance of the Primo(TM) system, the Vasotrac(R) system and other products of Medwave, hospital budgeting cycles, the possibility of adverse or negative results or commentary from clinical researchers or other users or evaluators of Medwave's products, Medwave's success in creating effective distribution channels for its products, Medwave's ability to scale up its manufacturing process, and delays in product development or enhancement or regulatory approval. Consequently, no forward- looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may vary materially. Medwave(R), Vasotrac(R), Legato(TM), and Primo(TM) are trademarks of Medwave, Inc.
Medwave Inc.CONTACT: Investor Relations, Jodie Chastain, +1-800-894-7601, or MediaRelations, Kevin Sawyer, +1-612-465-8356, both of Medwave Inc.
