CUPERTINO, Calif., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.,
(CTS), (Nasdaq: CTSI), a developer of minimally invasive cardiac surgery
devices, reported today that it has exercised its option to acquire
intellectual property related to minimally invasive vessel harvesting.
Exclusive rights to U.S. Patent No. Re 36,043, a reissued patent entitled
"Endoscope and Method for Vein Removal," have been granted to CTS by Embro
Corporation. The patent claims are broad, covering various methods of
harvesting a section of an arterial or venous vessel from a patient for use in
the body. More specifically, the patent covers minimally invasive vessel
harvesting through one or more small incisions with or without the use of an
endoscope.
"We believe the market for minimally invasive arterial or vein harvesting
will become an important aspect of minimally invasive cardiac surgery
procedures in the future," explained Richard Ferrari, CTS president and CEO.
"According to industry analysts, last year the market was estimated at over
$20 million and, over the next few years, the potential for the market should
exceed $100 million." He added, "With CTS' development of minimally invasive
vessel harvesting technology, we believe this patent will play a pivotal role
for us."
CTS is currently conducting clinical testing on its minimally invasive
saphenous vein harvesting system. The saphenous vein, which runs the length
of the leg from the groin to the ankle, is often used to bypass a blockage
during conventional or minimally invasive coronary artery bypass graft
surgery. Traditional saphenous vein harvesting requires a full-leg incision,
resulting in increased wound complications and post-operative pain. Depending
on the specific technique used, minimally invasive saphenous vein harvesting
requires one or more small incisions. This may dramatically decrease
post-operative complications as well as patient healing time. CTS expects to
release its new system later in the year.
CardioThoracic Systems, Inc., located in Cupertino, Calif., is a leading
developer of proprietary technologies for use in minimally invasive cardiac
surgery. CTS introduced its first generation system for minimally invasive
beating heart bypass surgery in January 1997. Since that time, CTS has
shipped over 25,000 beating heart bypass systems.
This news release contains forward-looking information that involves risks
and uncertainties including uncertainties associated with the success of the
company's development efforts and the capabilities and benefits of the CTS
instrumentation and methods and the size of the market for minimally invasive
saphenous vein harvesting. Actual results may differ significantly from the
results discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of those and
other factors, including factors set forth in the company's annual report on
Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 1998,
and the company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Security
Exchange Commission on August 31, 1998. Copies of the Annual Report on Form
10-K and the company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q are available by calling
the company's investor relations department at 408-342-1700.
To learn more about CardioThoracic Systems, Inc., visit the company's
website at http://www.cardioth.com.
SOURCE CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.cardioth.com
CONTACT:
Steve Van Dick, CFO, or Media Contact, Ronda
Prothro, pager, 800-704-0831, both of CardioThoracic Systems,
Inc.; or General Information, Ann Trunko, or Analysts, Kate
Rajeck or Media Inquiries, Scott Marx, of The Financial Relations
Board, 415-986-1591
NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information on CardioThoracic Systems,
Inc., via fax at no cost, dial 800-PRO-INFO or 908-544-2850
outside the U.S. Ticker symbol: CTSI.
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