Cook Medical Introduces the Guardia Pro Protective Embryo Transfer Catheter

First-of-its Kind Device Combines Embryo Protection and Transfer
LIMERICK, Ireland--(Business Wire)--
The Guardia Pro Protective Embryo Transfer Catheter is uniquely engineered to
protect and guide embryos through cervical mucus and blood and to eliminate the
need for cervical flushing or aspiration prior to transfer.

The Guardia Pro`s outer sheath protects the embryo through entry and then opens
in petals to further advance the inner transfer catheter allowing placement of
the embryo in the uterine cavity.

Additionally, the transfer catheter also incorporates Cook`s Microvol technology
that decreases the volume of fluid required for embryo transfer helping lessen
the likelihood of embryo migration and allowing more accurate embryo placement.

Introduced at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE),
the Guardia Pro Embryo Transfer Catheter is Cook`s newest addition to its
extensive portfolio of products for assisted reproductive technology (A.R.T).
For more than 25 years, Cook Medical has provided infertility and reproductive
specialists with innovative products to meet the needs of each individual
patient.

Christina Anné, Vice President of Cook Medical`s women`s health strategic
business unit, said, "The launch of the Guardia Pro is an important step forward
for the industry and for those undergoing IVF. Our unique product creates a
greater opportunity for successful embryo implantation. We are committed to
simplifying procedures for patients and clinicians and with this device we hope
to improve the process of embryo transfer."

Cook also recently launched CookARTLab.com, a website for A.R.T. professionals.
The site features the industry`s first interactive video tour of an A.R.T. lab.
Visitors to the site can view a real-world demonstration of ovum collection,
sperm injection, embryo culture and embryo transfer, with guidance on how to
optimize each step for improved pregnancy rates. The website also features a
knowledge base with up-to-the minute links to the most current published
research in A.R.T.; a discussion forum that allows professionals to exchange
information and experiences; and a news center posting upcoming industry events
- making the Cook site a centralized resource on breaking research and best
practices for fertility and reproductive specialists.

About Cook Medical

Cook Medical was one of the first companies to help popularize interventional
medicine, pioneering many of the devices now commonly used worldwide to perform
minimally invasive medical procedures. Today, the company integrates minimally
invasive medical device design, biopharma, gene and cell therapy, and biotech to
enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes in the fields of aortic
intervention; interventional cardiology; critical care medicine;
gastroenterology; radiology, peripheral vascular, bone access and oncology;
surgery and soft tissue repair; urology; and assisted reproductive technology,
gynecology and high-risk obstetrics.Founded in 1963 and operated as a
family-held private corporation, Cook is a past winner of the prestigious
Medical Device Manufacturer of the Year Award from Medical Device & Diagnostic
Industry magazine. For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com.

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Cook Urology and Women`s Health
Gail McDaniel, 812-369-9727
gail.mcdaniel@cookmedical.com
or
Racepoint Group, Inc.
Shannon Breen, 781-487-4607
sbreen@racepointgroup.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009