CarboMedics announces first implant of unique new PhotoFix(TM) a Bioprosthesis.

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 1995--CarboMedics, a leading manufacturer of replacement heart valves, announces the first implant on Dec. 15, 1994 of a revolutionary new bioprosthesis called the PhotoFix a Bioprosthesis at a leading cardiac center in western Europe. The recipient was a 67-year-old male who was suffering from aortic stenosis and insufficiency. The implantation of the PhotoFix a Bioprosthesis was routine and the patient is doing fine.

The PhotoFix a Bioprosthesis is a trileaflet, central-flow prosthesis intended for use as a replacement for a diseased human cardiac aortic valve. The leaflets are made from bovine pericardial tissue treated with a unique new patented fixation method (The PhotoFix(TM) process) and mounted on a flexible support frame. The valve is sterilized by a non-aldehyde chemical process that is patent pending.

Structural deterioration or degeneration of tissue valves has been a key factor in the dysfunction of bioprostheses, to date. Valve calcification is one of the largest contributors to the degeneration of bioprosthetic valves. Some publications suggest that the traditional glutaraldehyde-based treatment process of current tissue valves introduces an external chemistry that may play a role in the calcification process.

CarboMedics has developed a bioprosthesis which is treated with a dye-mediated photo-oxidation process (thus the name PhotoFix) that results in collagen crosslink formation, but uses no glutaraldehyde and does not introduce external chemistry. Preclinical testing has indicated that this valve exhibits no calcification when implanted in highly calcific animal models. Further analysis has demonstrated that the PhotoFix(TM) treatment is biostable exhibiting non-immunogenicity and no cytotoxicity.

CarboMedics, Inc., a company of Sulzermedica, is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and is the world's most fully integrated source of enhanced heart valve technology and a leading manufacturer of Pyrolite(R) Carbon components. The company is comprised of two segments; a proprietary heart valve group and an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specializing in biomaterial research, development and manufacturing.

CarboMedics is one of nine medical device companies that make up Sulzermedica. The partnership of companies focuses on the development of implantable medical devices and biomaterials for the cardiovascular, orthopedic and dental implant markets. Sulzermedica employs 3,600 people worldwide and is owned by Sulzer Limited, which is headquartered in Winterhur, Switzerland.

CONTACT: CarboMedics, Austin

             Perry Barrs, 512/873-3323, or
                          or
             Fellers & Company,
             Stacy Fellers, 512/338-4500

KEYWORDS: TEXAS

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BIOTECHNOLOGY REPEATS: New York 212-575-8822 or 800-221-2462; Boston 617-330-5311 or

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