Unique New CRT Pacemaker with Advanced Algorithm for RVsense Triggering(TM) and Wideband...

Unique New CRT Pacemaker with Advanced Algorithm for RVsense Triggering(TM) and Wideband IEGM Snapshot Memory is Now Released

BIOTRONIK Builds on Established HF Portfolio with New Advances in
the Low-Voltage Product Offering
LAKE OSWEGO, Ore.--(Business Wire)--
BIOTRONIK today announced the market release of the Stratos LV(TM)
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy pacemaker (CRT-P). Stratos LV
extends BIOTRONIK's already comprehensive heart failure product
portfolio to meet the diverse needs of a large and growing heart
failure patient population. Other BIOTRONIK products for heart failure
patients include the Lumax(TM) Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
defibrillator (CRT-D), Corox(TM) coronary sinus left ventricular
leads, and ScoutPro 7F lead delivery system.

Stratos LV is a CRT pacemaker, that is, a device which provides
low-voltage stimulation for resynchronization therapy but not
defibrillation. CRT devices are indicated for certain types of heart
failure patients and may improve the pumping action of the heart by
helping to synchronize the heart's lower chambers (the ventricles).

Stratos LV offers a unique and important feature to help assure
that resynchronization therapy is delivered continuously with RVsense
Triggering. Unlike conventional pacing, which should be delivered only
on an as-needed basis, CRT works best when used continuously.
Previously, device algorithms were based on the premise that the
device should preferentially be on stand-by, creating certain
challenges for uninterrupted therapy. Stratos LV now addresses this
important topic.

RVsense Triggering helps maintain resynchronization by forcing the
pacemaker to pace the left ventricle whenever there is activity in the
right ventricle (whether it is a paced event or the heart beats on its
own). This assures that there will be no "one-sided" cardiac activity,
and may help to preserve ventricular ejection fraction (a standard
measure of the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently), reduce
symptoms of heart failure, and synchronize ventricular intrinsic
contraction within 2.5 ms of a sensed or paced event in the right
ventricle.

Furthermore, Stratos LV offers an expanded Wideband IEGM Snapshot
memory. Today, all pacemakers offer extensive diagnostic reports, on
which physicians rely to help guide treatment. A key drawback in
competitive devices is the limited memory capacity available within a
device. With 10.5 minutes of 3-channel IEGM storage, Stratos LV has
more IEGM memory storage than any other CRT-P in the world, offering
critical information to diagnose or troubleshoot patient conditions.
Additionally, BIOTRONIK's Wideband IEGM Snapshots are some of the most
comprehensive diagnostic reports available.

"The heart failure patient population is large and continues to
grow as the general population ages. Heart failure patients are
diverse and their clinical and personal needs vary from patient to
patient. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' therapy. As we learn more
about heart failure and about device-based treatment, it is evident
that CRT pacemakers remain an important option for certain patient
populations. BIOTRONIK is pleased to offer our customers a broad
therapy portfolio that includes the latest advances with these pacing
devices," stated Thomas Brown, Executive Vice President of US Sales
and Marketing.

Heart failure is a debilitating syndrome characterized by
progressive weakening of the cardiac muscle and is frequently
associated with a dyssynchronous contraction pattern of the ventricles
(lower chambers of the heart), which can be treated with Cardiac
Resynchronization Therapy (CRT). According to multiple large-scale
randomized clinical trials, this device-based treatment may decrease
morbidity and mortality in certain heart failure patients.

About BIOTRONIK, Inc.

As one of the world's leading cardiovascular medical device
companies, with several million implanted devices, BIOTRONIK is
present in all world markets. Known for having its finger on the pulse
of the medical community, BIOTRONIK helps to assess the challenges
physicians face, and provides the best solutions, be it cardiac
implants, minimally invasive devices or other products and services
ranging from diagnosis to electrotherapy and vascular intervention or
therapy management. Quality, innovation, and reliability define
BIOTRONIK and its growing success and deliver confidence and peace of
mind to physicians and their patients worldwide.

BIOTRONIK, Inc.
Senior Manager Bradycardia Products
Sam Shull, +1 800-547-0394 (toll free)
Sam.Shull@biotronik.com
or
Director Marketing Communications
Amela Malja, Amela.Malja@biotronik.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008