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Terumo Exclusive U.S. Distributor for TigerPaw Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device

ANN ARBOR -- Terumo Cardiovascular Systems announced that it has entered into an exclusive agreement with Livermore, Calif.-based LAAx Inc. to distribute the TigerPaw System II, a left atrial appendage closure device in the U.S.

The TigerPaw System II is indicated for occlusion of the left atrial appendage under direct visualization, in conjunction with other open cardiac procedures.  It is new to the market following successful completion of a clinical trial.  During its clinical trial the TigerPaw System II provided 100 percent occlusion at both post-op and at 90 days.

"This expansion of our product portfolio is another example of Terumo CVS's commitment to the CV OR market," said Terumo CEO Mark Sutter. "The distribution agreement provides us with an excellent product that provides advantages over other offerings on the market and that cardiac surgeons need today."

Added Bill Wheeler, president and CEO of LAAx Inc.: "Terumo's broad distribution network will be a tremendous asset. We will work together to get the TigerPaw System II into the hands of cardiac surgeons who have not yet had access to a clinically proven, 100 percent occlusive left atrial appendage closure device. This clinical outcome expectation will benefit patients who need to reduce the medical risks associated with a less than 100 percent closure of the LAA. We are happy to offer that option. Risk mitigation is an important consideration for every cardiac surgeon who considers 100 percent occlusion to be the only acceptable medical outcome for LAA occlusion technologies."

Terumo Cardiovascular Systems manufactures and markets medical devices for the global cardiac surgery market and is the U.S. distributor for Vascutek Vascular Grafts. The company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, with manufacturing operations in Ann Arbor; Elkton, Md.; and Ashland, Mass. It is one of several subsidiaries of Terumo Corp. of Japan which focus on cardiac and vascular specialties, including Terumo Heart Inc., developer of a ventricular assist device and Vascutek, Ltd., manufacturer of a broad portfolio of vascular grafts. For more information, visit www.terumo-cvs.com.

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