CardioVations Announces Introduction of Innovative Heart Stabilization System; Devices Represent a Major Advance in Precision and Control during Heart Bypass Surgery.

CardioVations, a division of ETHICON, a Johnson & Johnson company, recently announced the introduction of the MYOLIFT* Heart Retractor, and the FLEXSITE* Heart Stabilizer, instruments that help position the heart and stabilize the coronary artery during beating heart during cardiac surgery. The devices can be used together to expose coronary vessels and permit precise placement of stabilization "feet" to hold the coronary artery in place, allowing cardiac surgeons to bypass the blocked artery without resorting to the traditional method of stopping the heart and employing the heart/lung machine.

It is estimated that the "off-pump" method of coronary bypass is used in 25% of all coronary bypass surgeries (1). This method allows the patient's own lungs and heart to maintain circulation rather than the artificial components of the heart/lung machine. Traditional bypass surgery requires the use of the heart-lung machine and other tools in order to divert the patient's blood flow and allow surgeons to conduct the delicate surgery.

"Off-pump surgery has been shown to be beneficial to patients undergoing coronary revascularization, particularly in the high-risk population," stated Mercedes K.C. Dullum, M.D. Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC. "These devices allow for complete revascularization during an off-pump procedure and are valuable additions to the ongoing development of beating heart surgery."

The FLEXSITE stabilizer device consists of malleable vacuum and compression feet that can also be contoured to enable positioning on all surfaces of the heart. The single-movement handle controls retractor attachment, arm alignment and precise positioning. The MYOLIFT heart retraction device is comprised of a soft compliant suction cut, which conforms to the heart. This is mounted to a conformable pseudoelastic arm that can be used to position the suction cup and heart as desired.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with heart surgery using these devices. Risks associated with this procedure are typical of those associated with conventional coronary artery surgery.

About CardioVations

CardioVations, a division of ETHICON, INC., a Johnson & Johnson Company, is a pioneer in cardiovascular surgery devices that reduce complications and improve outcomes for patients. CardioVations offers innovations in the areas of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve surgery, automated anastomotic devices and vessel management. Additional information on CardioVations can be found at http://www.cardiovations.com/.

*Trademark

(1) Medtech insight, Novel Connections in Bypass Surgery, May 2002.

CONTACT: Amy Firsching of ETHICON, Inc., [phone], [e-mail]

Web site: http://www.ethiconinc.com/ http://www.cardiovations.com/