Ev3 Introduces Two New Enhanced Offerings For The Treatment Of Peripheral Artery Disease

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 20 Dec 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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ev3 Inc. (NASDAQ:EVVV), announced the U.S. launch of the company's most recent additions to the SilverHawk family of products: the SilverHawk(R) LS-M and MS-M. These devices are among the latest in plaque excision technology and are designed to treat lesions in arteries above the knee for patients suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD).

The SilverHawk® LS-M and MS-M include MEC™ (Micro Efficient Compression) Technology, a novel advancement which features precision laser-drilled vent holes in the tip of the catheter. These micro vent holes release fluid pressure, providing more space for the collection of tissue in the tip of the device. This technology has the potential to reduce overall procedure time by enabling physicians to increase tissue collection during plaque removal procedures in large vessels above the knee. In vitro bench test results performed by the company have demonstrated up to a 30 percent increase in tissue capture per insertion compared to the previous device.

"The SilverHawk LS-M and MS-M will allow physicians to treat patients more efficiently in plaque removal procedures for patients suffering from PAD," said Jim Corbett, chairman and chief executive officer of ev3. "The design of these devices, along with unique MEC™ Technology, is expected to be the workhorse for above the knee procedures. We are committed to providing the necessary tools for physicians to continue to move patient treatments forward and are excited to be able to provide this latest advancement in PAD care."

PAD is a condition that afflicts as many as 12 million Americans, and occurs when plaque accumulates in the arteries and blocks blood flow in the legs. These blockages can result in severe leg pain, very limited physical mobility, and ultimately, can lead to amputation. The SilverHawk Plaque Excision System is a minimally invasive method of removing the obstructive plaque and restoring blood flow to the legs and feet. The SilverHawk catheters utilize a tiny rotating blade to shave plaque from artery walls and a reservoir nosecone to collect the excised plaque from the patient.

About ev3 Inc.

ev3 Inc. is a global medical device company focused on improving the lives of patients with vascular disease through the development of innovative endovascular therapies.

ev3 and the ev3 logo are trademarks of ev3 Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All trademarks and trade names referred to in this press release are the property of their respective owners.

ev3 and FoxHollow. Giving life to endovascular excellence.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical information are forward-looking statements as defined within the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to, the statements regarding the ability of the SilverHawk LS-M and MS-M to allow physicians to treat patients more efficiently in plaque removal procedures for patients suffering from PAD, the expectation that the design of these devices will be the workhorse for above the knee procedures and other statements identified by words such as "will," "expect," "anticipate," "would" or words of similar meaning and any other statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of ev3's management and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied. Such potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, in no particular order: future product performance, product demand and market acceptance; the impact of competitive products and pricing; delays in regulatory approvals and the introduction of new products; and success of clinical testing.

More detailed information on these and additional factors which could affect ev3 Inc.'s operating and financial results is described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. ev3 Inc. urges all interested parties to read these reports to gain a better understanding of the many business and other risks that the company faces. Additionally, ev3 Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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