Sorin Group Announces First U.S. Implant of Mitroflow Aortic Pericardial Heart Valve

Business Wire, Dec 5, 2007

DENVER -- The Sorin Group (MIL:SRN), the largest European cardiovascular company and world leader in medical technologies for cardiac surgery, announced today the first commercial implant of the Mitroflow Aortic Pericardial Heart Valve(TM) in the United States, performed by the Cardiovascular Surgery Division at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Designed to provide superior hemodynamic performance and ease of implant, the Mitroflow valve received FDA approval in October 2007 and is now available to cardiac surgeons and their patients in the U.S.

"With its unmatched hemodynamic performance, ease of implant and proven durability over 20 years, Sorin Group is pleased that the Mitroflow valve is now available to U.S. surgeons and thousands of patients eligible for aortic valve replacement," said Stefano Di Lullo, President, Cardiac Surgery Division, Sorin Group. "And we're excited to have our first implant performed by the prestigious surgical team at the Mayo Clinic."

The first U.S. Mitroflow implant was successfully performed by Rakesh M. Suri, M.D., Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery division, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Suri said the new valve adds to the tools available for aortic valve implant procedures, and the search for a biological valve prosthesis with durability equal to or better than those existing on the market, with lower gradients, is a sought after goal for all patients.

Introduced in Europe in 1982, the Mitroflow valve is a testament to Sorin Group's unique experience with bovine pericardium, from tissue harvesting to proprietary design solutions and high technology processes. Because the pericardium is mounted on the outside of the stent, it allows for maximum valve opening and optimum blood flow.

The Mitroflow bioprosthesis offers surgeons the option, based on patient anatomy, of a supra-annular or an intra-annular valve placement designed to reduce the risk of patient-prosthesis mismatch and enhance hemodynamic performance. The streamlined sewing cuff design has shown that the valve is easy to suture, conformable to the native annulus, and adaptable to difficult anatomies.

The Mitroflow Aortic Pericardial Heart Valve will be distributed in the United States by CarboMedics Inc., one of Sorin Group's United States subsidiaries.

About the Sorin Group

The Sorin Group (Bloomberg: SRN.IM; Reuters: SORN.MI), a world leader in the development of medical technologies for cardiac surgery, offers innovative therapies for cardiac rhythm dysfunctions, interventional cardiology and the treatment of chronic kidney diseases. The Sorin Group includes these brands: Dideco, CarboMedics, COBE Cardiovascular, Stockert, Mitroflow, ELA Medical, Sorin Biomedica, Bellco and Bellco-Soludia. At the Sorin Group 4,500 employees work to serve over 5,000 public and private treatment centers in more than 80 countries throughout the world. For more information, please visit: www.sorin.com.