Volcano Announces the Introduction of the PrimeWire PRESTIGE® Pressure Guide Wire in Japan

SAN DIEGO, April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Volcano Corporation (NASDAQ: VOLC) today announced it has received clearance to market the PrimeWire PRESTIGE® pressure guide wire in Japan. In addition to accurately measuring intravascular pressure via Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), the PrimeWire PRESTIGE® pressure guide wire delivers superior handling with a frontline tip design, enhanced torque and more support.  

"Japanese physicians are global leaders in advanced guide wire techniques and truly appreciate a wire that handles well in complex patient anatomy," said Junichi Osawa, President and Managing Director of Volcano Japan. "Reduced coil spacing at the tip of the PrimeWire PRESTIGE® pressure guide wire improves tactile feel of the wire, allowing physicians to maneuver the wire easily. Physicians in the United States and Europe have strongly embraced the PrimeWire PRESTIGE® pressure guide wire because of its handling."

The PrimeWire PRESTIGE® pressure guide wire has a 90 percent improvement in torque compared to the SmartWire® II pressure guide wire. A larger core wire and SlyDx™ coating enabled improved trackability and smooth device delivery over the wire. Full market release of PrimeWire PRESTIGE® pressure guide wire in Japan is expected in the second quarter of 2011.

About Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)

FFR is a guide wire based technology that measures blood pressure differences across lesions.  FFR provides valuable information to physicians about lesion significance, allowing them to make important treatment decisions.  Additionally, FFR guided therapy improves patient outcomes reducing the risk of death & heart attack by 34 percent.

About Volcano Corporation

Volcano Corporation (NASDAQ: VOLC) is revolutionizing the medical device industry with a broad suite of technologies that make imaging and therapy simpler, more informative and less invasive. Our products empower physicians around the world with a new generation of analytical tools that deliver more meaningful information, using sound and light as the guiding elements. Founded in cardiovascular care and expanding into other specialties, Volcano is changing the assumption about what is possible in improving patient outcomes by combining imaging and therapy together. For more information, visit the company's website at www.volcanocorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Any statements in this release that are not historical facts may be considered "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause Volcano's results to differ materially and adversely from the statements contained herein. Some of the potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ include the pace and extent of market adoption of the company's products and technologies, growth strategies, timing and achievement of product development milestones, outcome of ongoing litigation, the impact and benefits of market development, product introductions, unexpected new data, safety and technical issues, market conditions, and other risks inherent to medical device development and commercialization. These and additional risks and uncertainties are more fully described in Volcano's filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our  recent annual report on Form 10-K. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date they are made. Volcano undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they are made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

SOURCE Volcano Corporation