Early Detection Screening Offered at AOPA Aviation Summit for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

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Cook Medical Partners with Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association to Offer
High-Risk Members Preventive Screenings for 10th Leading Cause of Death
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.--(Business Wire)--
Cook Medical is partnering with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
(AOPA) at this year`s AOPAAviation Summit in Tampa, Fla. from November 5-7 to
provide free abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screenings to its attendees at high
risk for AAA. Preventive screenings for AAAs, a "silent killer" and the 10th
leading cause of death in the U.S. in men over age 55, have proven effective in
detecting the condition early and enabling interventional treatment.

"AAAs typically develop asymptomatically until they reach a critical point,
making early detection and treatment key to improving patient outcomes," said
Phil Nowell, global director of Cook`s Aortic Intervention strategic business
unit. "By partnering with the AOPA to offer free AAA screenings at the Aviation
Summit, we hope to educate America`s pilots on the importance of preventive
screening to detect and treat this deadly disease early and effectively."

AAAs affect approximately 200,000 Americans every year, and occur when a section
of the wall of the aorta, the body`s main blood vessel, weakens and creates a
dangerous bulge that can rupture. Early interventional treatment of AAAs is
critical, as fewer than 20 percent of those who experience a ruptured AAA
survive, and is especially important for pilots, as a midflight rupture could
create an extremely dangerous emergency. According to Medicare guidelines, male
patients between the ages of 65 to 75 who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in
their lifetime, or patients with a family history of AAA, should be screened.
Using minimally invasive ultrasound technology, a technician can determine
whether an aneurysm is developing by taking images and measurements of the
aorta. If the aorta measures more than three centimeters in diameter, an
aneurysm is often suspected.

If an AAA is detected, treatment may include endovascular aneurysm repair
(EVAR), which is a less invasive alternative to the traditional treatment
option, open surgery. When treated by open surgery, a large incision is made in
the abdomen to allow a surgeon to clamp off the aorta and replace the damaged
section with a surgical graft. This highly invasive method can lead to serious
complications and extended recovery times. Conversely, during the minimally
invasive EVAR procedure, an endograft is guided into the body by a catheter
system to seal off the aneurysm from within. This treatment method typically
results in a shorter recovery period and has a higher patient survival rate than
open surgery.

For more information on the AAA screenings provided at the AOPA Summit, please
visit http://www.aopa.org/summit/news/2009/091020health.html or check out the
details included below.

WHAT: Free AAA Screenings from Cook Medical at AOPA Aviation Summit

WHEN: Thursday, November 5, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, November 6, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 7, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Tampa Convention Center
333 S. Franklin St.
Tampa, Fla. 33602

About AOPA

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is the world's largest aviation
association, representing two out of every three pilots in the United States,
and providing representation, education and information to protect and foster
the future of general aviation. More information is available at AOPA`s website
at www.aopa.org.

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
http://www.cookmedical.com/ . You may follow Cook Medical on Twitter at
twitter.com/cookmedicalpr.

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

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