FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA--(MARKET WIRE)--Jul 25, 2007 -- Sutura, Inc. (“Sutura”) (OTC BB:SUTU.OB - News), an innovative developer of minimally invasive vascular suturing devices, announced today that Dr. Michael Mullen, Director of the Cath Lab at Royal Brompton Hospital in London, has tested the SuperStitch EL in an explanted porcine heart. Dr. Mullen sutured closed a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) in heart tissue at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. This test was completed just days after Dr. John Crew of the San Francisco Heart Institute successfully completed the same test in California.
The SuperStitch line of products is used in connection with cardiovascular and vascular procedures that require a puncture or incision to the artery. It is designed for use with or without an access device (e.g., trocar, sheath, or cannula) depending on the endoscopic technique, for use during minimally invasive surgical procedures, fluoroscopically-guided procedures, or in an open setting.
Dr. Michael Mullen, member of the Sutura Clinical Advisory Board, stated, “This test confirms my belief that a technology that can effectively close a vascular structure like a PFO, and that doesn’t leave anything behind except suture, could prove to be the solution to treat these patients. As in all new technologies human clinical data will provide confirmation of what appears to be a solution to this delicate procedure.”
Dr. Anthony Nobles, Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer of Sutura, who was present for both tests, stated, “Dr. Mullen confirmed that the suture-based approach deployed in this test demonstrates the feasibility of a suture being used to close a large vascular structure. Additional testing and longer term outcomes will provide more data and information.”
About Sutura, Inc.
Sutura®, Inc. (www.suturaus.com) is a medical device company that has developed a line of innovative, minimally invasive, vascular suturing devices to suture the puncture created in arteries during open surgery and catheter-based procedures. The Company’s line of SuperStitch medical devices provide sutured closure of the arteriotomy site utilizing the existing catheter sheath introducer or cannula during fluoroscopically guided procedures and directly through the open arteriotomy during open surgical procedures.
Within the United States the 8F & 6F SuperStitch devices are available for use in performing vascular stitching in general surgery, including endoscopic procedures. It is not intended for blind closure of an arteriotomy site. The SuperStitch 8F & 6F is approved in the European Union and CE marked with the indication for use as follows: The SuperStitch is indicated for use in performing vascular stitching in general surgery, including endoscopic procedures. In the EU there is no requirement for the use of fluoroscopic guidance. Sutura’s headquarters are in Fountain Valley, California. “Sutura®" and “SuperStitch®" are registered trademarks of Sutura, Inc.
Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty
Certain statements in this press release may contain projections or “forward-looking” information (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risk and uncertainty. The words “aim”, “plan”, “likely”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “may”, “appears”, and other expressions that indicate future events and trends identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guaranties of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what we express or forecast in these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak only as of the date they were made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Our actual results and future trends may differ materially from our forward-looking statements depending on a variety of factors including the ability of the company to raise additional funds necessary for the continued operation of the company, acceptance of the SuperStitch® and HeartStitch® devices by medical providers and the marketplace in general, the ability of the company to establish a successful strategic relationships or to complete strategic transactions with third parties, the continued growth of the vessel closure marketplace and the company’s ability to continue to expand and protect its technology patents.
Contact:
Contacts: Sutura, Inc. Barry Forward Corporate Communications 1-866-676-8386 Website: http://www.suturaus.com
Source: Sutura, Inc.
