Radius Medical Launches Expro Elite

January 15, 2006 Acton, MA - Radius Medical Technologies, Inc. today announced the FDA approval and product launch of its new EXPRO™ Elite retrieval snare. Engineered to be used as a precision re-positioning, recapture, and retrieval device, the EXPRO Elite is the smallest snare currently in existence, measuring .035 inches in diameter. This exceptionally small size makes the EXPRO Elite extremely versatile, not only rendering it the best choice for repositioning and retrieval procedures, but also expanding the functionality of this tool to include a variety of precision uses.

The EXPRO Elite is ready to use out of the package, avoiding awkward assembly during critical procedures. The ultra small .035" profile of the EXPRO Elite permits delivery through conventional diagnostic or therapeutic catheters eliminating the need for exchanges, reducing patient trauma, and saving valuable procedure time.

“Any time you make an exchange or have to place another catheter, it’s inconvenient for the operator and takes extra time for the patient, said Dr. Richard Heuser, Medical Director Phoenix Heart Institute.  “The beauty of this device is that we can use it without doing a catheter exchange.” Dr. Heuser added, “I think they’ve really done their homework here. I’ve worked with Radius for several years, and Radius has always been in the forefront meeting clinical needs of physicians, not only interventional radiologists but also vascular surgeons, vascular radiologists, and neuroradiologists. This innovative new design is another example of their continued approach to solving unmet clinical needs for physicians and their patients.”

Mark Wholey, Chairman of Pittsburgh Vascular Institute, commented on the EXPRO Elite,  “I think it’s a very clever design in the fact that they have integrated the helical shaped capture area with the core of an .035" wire. This makes it quite innovative and certainly an interesting and very desirable profile.“ Dr. Wholey added, “The EXPRO Elite has some very interesting features.  Obviously, the fact that it’s integrated within an .035" wire is impressive to me. It eliminates the sheath that ordinarily goes over most other snares so as a result this device has improved functionality. The bottom line is it eliminates the need for exchanging from more cumbersome existing commercial retrievable catheters and eliminates all of the exchanges necessary. Very impressive.”

Maureen Finlayson, President and CEO of Radius Medical commented, “We are very excited about this new product launch in the U.S. market, and look forward to our launch outside the U.S. into global markets, scheduled for December 2006. We will be featuring this new technological advancement in our sales booth at the upcoming ISET and SIR meetings, as well as the CIRCE meeting in Europe.”

About Radius
Radius Medical Technologies, Inc. is a privately held corporation specializing in the design, development and marketing of minimally invasive medical devices for treating cardiovascular disease. Radius provides over 25 years experience working closely with end users to design and engineer practical, simplified products.  The Radius team of engineers remains focused on providing responsive customer driven solutions.