CUPERTINO, Calif., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.
(CTS) (Nasdaq: CTSI) announced today the receipt of a formal notice from the
U.S. Patent Office (PTO) that its claims are allowable in its patent
application covering mechanical stabilization of a beating heart. Richard M.
Ferrari, President and CEO of CTS, stated, "It is gratifying to have the PTO
confirm the patentability of CTS' breakthrough technology for mechanical
stabilization of a beating heart. The importance of this technology to
minimally invasive cardiac surgery is evidenced by the numerous competitors
who have followed CTS into the beating heart market."
CTS was also notified by the PTO that the processing of its patent
application in the PTO would be suspended for up to six months due to a
potential interference. An interference is a proceeding in the PTO to
determine priority of invention. Ferrari further stated that, "Since CTS is
the recognized pioneer in developing tools for beating heart surgery, we are
confident, should an interference be declared, the outcome would be favorable
for CTS."
CardioThoracic Systems, Inc., Cupertino, Calif., is a leading developer of
proprietary technologies in minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery. The
company's current products are designed to enable cardiothoracic surgeons to
perform minimally invasive bypass surgery on a beating heart. CTS is also
developing technologies in the areas of minimally invasive valve repair and
replacement and saphenous vein harvesting. The company's stock is traded on
the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol CTSI.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties associated with the
conduct, timing, and outcome of any interference proceedings. 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, 1997 and the company's most recent quarterly
report on Form 1O-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
November 7, 1997. Copies of the Annual Report on Form 10-K are available by
calling the company's investor relations department at 408-342-1700.
For more information on CardioThoracic Systems, Inc. via fax at no cost,
dial 8OO-PRO-INFO or 908-544-2850 outside the U.S. Ticker symbol: CTSI.
SOURCE CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.
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CONTACT:
media, Christine Carbone, Director of
Marketing Communications, or investor relations, Steve Van Dick,
CFO, of CardioThoracic Systems, Inc., 408-342-1700; or Ann
Trunko, general information, or Kate Rajeck, analyst contact, of
The Financial Relations Board, 415-989-1591, for CardioThoracic
Systems
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