Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Becomes Exclusive U.S. Distributor for TigerPaw® System II, Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Terumo Cardiovascular Systems announced today that it has entered into an exclusive agreement with 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% occlusion at both post-op and at 90 days.

Mark Sutter, President and CEO of Terumo Cardiovascular Systems, stated, "This expansion of our product portfolio is another example of Terumo CVS's commitment to the CV OR market.  The distribution agreement provides us with an excellent product that provides advantages over other offerings on the market and that cardiac surgeons need today.  We are proud of this new partnership with LAAx, Inc."

Bill Wheeler, President and CEO of LAAx, Inc., added, "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% occlusive left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device. This clinical outcome expectation will benefit patients who need to reduce the medical risks associated with a less than 100% closure of the LAA.  We are happy to offer that option. Risk mitigation is an important consideration for every cardiac surgeon who considers 100% occlusion to be the only acceptable medical outcome for LAA occlusion technologies."

About Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation 
Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation 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, Michigan, with manufacturing operations in Ann Arbor; Elkton, Maryland; and Ashland, Massachusetts. It is one of several subsidiaries of Terumo Corporation 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.

About LAAx, Inc.
LAAx, Inc. is a medical device company, located in Livermore, CA, whose purpose is to develop leading edge technology for the effective occlusion and/or exclusion of the left atrial appendage. Additionally, LAAx, Inc. is committed to maintaining effective systems to manage quality and quality objectives which translate technology into medical devices that are safe, serve the needs of the patient and the physician, and provide a viable business opportunity. LAAx, Inc.'s global goal is to make a positive impact on both the quality and effectiveness of healthcare delivered worldwide.

SOURCE Terumo Cardiovascular Systems