First Device Designed to Preserve Blood Flow to Iliac Arteries During Aneurysm Repair Receives Approval from Health Canada

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Aortic Disease Is Safe, Effective Alternative
to Open Surgery
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.--(Business Wire)--
Canadian physicians can now treat patients suffering from life-threatening
aneurysms in one of the body`s largest arteries with an endovascular graft
delivered during a minimally invasive procedure without blocking a critical
artery. The Zenith Branch Endovascular Graft-Iliac Bifurcation from Cook
Medical, approved today by Health Canada`s Medical Devices Bureau, is
specifically designed to preserve flow to the internal iliac artery allowing for
the endovascular treatment of both aortoiliac and iliac artery aneurysms that
commonly occur in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Aneurysms are
bulges in the walls of the major arteries that left untreated can rupture
causing death.

"Aortoiliac and iliac aneurysms are known to be particularly difficult to treat
due to the tortuous anatomy," said Dr. Cherrie Abraham of Jewish General
Hospital in Montreal. "The control and stability of Cook`s branch graft offers
precise deployment. The capability to preserve blood flow to the internal iliac
artery is a crucial benefit, too, as it will help avoid complications that can
arise from internal iliac embolization."

The Cook branch graft is bifurcated, like the iliac artery itself, with openings
to connect the common iliac, side branch (internal iliac) and external iliac
segments. Built on Cook`s proven Zenith technology, which has been used for
years in the endovascular treatment of aneurysms in other major vessels, the
device preserves flow to the iliac artery, reducing the potential for
complications such as colon ischemia, buttock and hip claudication or
impairment, and impotence.

"The designs currently available on the market to treat iliac aneurysms
endovascularly are simply not adequate for this surgery. With the introduction
of the iliac branch graft, Cook is delivering an endovascular treatment to the
Canadian market that previously was not an option," said Phil Nowell, global
leader of Cook Medical`s Aortic Intervention strategic business unit. "Cook is
building on existing technologies designed to treat abdominal and thoracic
aortic aneurysms, bringing the same level of innovation to the treatment of
iliac aneurysms."

The Zenith Branch Endovascular Graft-Iliac Bifurcation, which mimics the natural
iliac artery anatomy, is made of thick woven polyester fabric sewn to
self-expanding stainless steel and nitinol Cook-Z stents with braided polyester
and monofilament polypropylene suture. The graft is completely stented to
provide stability and the force needed to open the lumen of the graft during
deployment. Nitinol rings located at the proximal end of the graft and within
the side branch help preserve lumen patency during access, and the stainless
steel Cook-Z stents provide the necessary seal of the graft to the vessel wall.
Gold markers positioned along the internal iliac side of the graft aid in
precise positioning.

The Zenith Branch Endovascular Graft-Iliac Bifurcation is also available in the
European Union and Australia. The device is not yet available for sale in the
U.S., where it is currently regulated as an investigational device.

About Cook Medical

Founded in 1963, Cook Medical pioneered many of the medical devices now commonly
used to perform minimally invasive medical procedures throughout the body.
Today, the company integrates medical devices, drugs and BIOLOGICS to enhance
patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. Since its inception, Cook has
operated as a family-held private corporation. For more information, visit
www.cookmedical.com. You may sign up to follow Cook Medical on Twitter at
twitter.com/cookmedicalpr.

Cook Medical
David McCarty, 812-339-2235, ext. 2387
dave.mccarty@cookmedical.com
or
Racepoint Group
Jackie Hanley, 781-487-4625
jhanley@racepointgroup.com

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