Chase Medical's Next Generation Cardiac Stabilizer Previewed At Emory University School Of Medicine Surgeon Training Course.

Business Editors and Health/Medical Writers

RICHARDSON, Texas--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 22, 2000

The Chase Medical epRetract(TM) II Epicardial Retracting Stabilizer was previewed during Emory University School of Medicine's "Cardiac Surgical Patient in the 21st Century" OPCAB/PADCAB Course held this past week in Atlanta, Georgia. Surgeons from throughout the United States were proctored in an animal lab training session conducted by Robert Guyton, M.D. at Emory University's animal lab. Dr. Guyton, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, later utilized the Chase Medical Stabilizer in an actual surgical case, performing several challenging graft anastamoses for the closed-circuit audience in attendance at the course.

According to Dr. Guyton, the epRetract(TM) II Heart Stabilizer not only "provides surgeons with the ability to stabilize a segment of a beating heart, but has the unique capability to retract the epicardial fat often found around patients' arteries and aids in the presentation of these intramyocardial (buried) arteries." Dr. Guyton indicated that he presently performs an average of 60% of his CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) procedures without stopping the heart.

"This next generation product has improved stability by employing a cleverly modified articulating arm and has also reduced the potential for minor abrasion to the heart with the introduction of synthetic specially textured heart contact pads. In combination with a new sternal retractor designed for use exclusively with the epRetract(TM) II, this new retracting stabilizer significantly enhances the surgeons' ability to access difficult to reach target vessels," states Dr. Guyton.

Chase Medical, along with several other companies involved in the development and manufacture of "beating heart" surgical devices, sponsored the training session with Emory University. Suresh Reddy, Chase Medical's Vice President for R&D, stated that "the exposure of this new Chase Medical Stabilization System gained through this important training session will be instrumental to the product's expanding utilization in the approximately 80,000 beating heart procedures performed worldwide. With the rapid changes in technology and the continued growth of this procedure in excess of 50% per year, we are particularly gratified by the reception of the surgeons to this unique concept in cardiac stabilization and are honored to be included in such an important conference."

Gregory Buis, Chase Medical's CEO indicated "Chase Medical is continuing to focus a substantial amount of its resources on developing an extremely strong portfolio of products directed toward advances in Cardiac Surgery. In addition to the new epRetract(TM) II, Chase recently licensed technology associated with Minimally Assisted Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MADCAB). We believe the combination of our new epRetract(TM) II retracting stabilizer and MADCAB comprise a unique system which addresses unmet needs in beating heart surgery and represents a very strong offering for the continued development and growth of this exciting area of cardiac surgery."

Chase Medical provides a portfolio of products used in Beating and Arrested Heart Cardiac Surgery through a worldwide network of independent representatives and distributors specializing in cardiovascular surgery products. Any statements made about the company's anticipated results and regulatory approvals are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties.