Terumo Cardiovascular Systems and Spencer Technologies Expand Distribution and Development Agreements to Include Cardiology and Neurovascular Markets

    ANN ARBOR, Mich., July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Terumo Cardiovascular Systems
 and Spencer Technologies have signed agreements in which Terumo Cardiovascular
 Systems is awarded global rights to market and distribute Spencer
 Technologies' current offering of diagnostic ultrasound products for
 cardiology and neurology applications and future products co-developed by the
 two companies.  The two companies have been engaged in similar agreements for
 monitoring products in the cardiac surgery market since 2002.
     Spencer Technologies manufactures the PMD100 Digital Transcranial Doppler
 System, an enhanced ultrasound system for measurement of cerebral flow
 velocity and emboli detection.  The system is used for neurovascular
 diagnosis, and has also been used as part of a protocol for the detection of
 patent foramen ovale (PFO), a hole in the wall that separates the upper right
 and left chambers of the heart.  PFO has been associated with stroke,
 transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and migraine headaches.
     Terumo Cardiovascular Systems has created a Neurovascular Monitoring
 Business Unit to provide current and future diagnostic ultrasound devices to
 the cardiology and neurology markets.  The new business unit will be managed
 by Kevin Hoffman, who also manages the company's Intraoperative Monitoring
 Business Unit that has been engaged in applications for cardiac surgery.
     As indicated by Hoffman, "Terumo Cardiovascular Systems is excited to
 leverage our monitoring and marketing expertise with Spencer's research and
 technical capabilities in providing unique solutions to address unmet
 diagnostic needs.  Together, we will enhance the quality of patient care in
 these markets."
     The PMD100's digital technology represents a number of improvements over
 traditional analog ultrasound technology, including increased accuracy and
 ease of use.  According to Mark Reisman, MD, Director of Cardiovascular
 Research at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, "The technology enables break-
 through applications in diagnosis and treatment of stroke and provides a
 flexible base for many future diagnostic and monitoring applications in
 cardiology, vascular surgery, and neurology."
     "After several years of dedicated research and development of our new
 platform technology, we are thrilled to have Terumo Cardiovascular Systems
 deliver it into the hands of health care providers worldwide.  We know that
 our unique technology can make a significant clinical difference, and
 potentially save and improve the quality of many lives," said Scott Seidel,
 CEO of Spencer Technologies.
     Spencer Technologies was co-founded in 1992 by Dr. Merrill Spencer, a
 pioneer in the development of diagnostic ultrasound.  Spencer Technologies is
 dedicated to preventing a variety of adverse cardiovascular related events,
 including strokes, and significantly improving healthcare through the
 development and use of non-invasive ultrasound technologies for diagnosis,
 monitoring, and therapeutic effects.
     Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation manufactures and markets
 products for the cardiac surgery, interventional, and neurovascular markets.
 It is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan with manufacturing operations in
 Ann Arbor, as well as Elkton, Maryland; Ashland, Massachusetts; Tustin,
 California; and Matamoros, Mexico.  It is a subsidiary of Terumo Corporation
 of Japan.  Terumo Corporation is a premier global medical company with 2003
 annual sales in excess of $1.9 billion.  Terumo Corporation develops,
 manufactures, and markets a wide range of medical products including syringes,
 needles, catheters, and blood bags.
 
 

SOURCE  Terumo Cardiovascular Systems