Biosense Webster to distribute Siemens' cardiac ultrasound catheters

27 March 2006

Biosense Webster, a Johnson & Johnson company, and Siemens Medical Solutions have announced a strategic alliance giving Biosense Webster exclusive worldwide rights to distribute Siemens' state-of-the-art cardiac catheters, ACUSON AcuNav(TM) ultrasound catheters, to electrophysiologists. Siemens will continue to distribute AcuNav ultrasound catheters to interventional cardiologists through its own sales force. The two companies also agreed to co-develop future products.

Siemens AcuNav ultrasound catheters provide real-time ultrasound imaging inside the heart as well as direct visualization of both blood flow and other catheters. The AcuNav ultrasound catheters provide physicians with high quality diagnostic images and Doppler blood flow information throughout the entire heart during a cardiac catheterization procedure.

Biosense Webster is a key player in the electrophysiology market and Siemens is an ultrasound industry leader. This strategic alliance will enable these two companies to address the real-time imaging needs of electrophysiologists and their patients.

"We are pleased to announce this strategic alliance with Siemens Medical Solutions Ultrasound Division. This agreement provides potential opportunities to assess how AcuNav can be combined with our unique cardiac mapping and navigation systems," said Roy Tanaka, president, Biosense Webster.

"Through our work with Biosense Webster, we are moving another step closer to providing the innovative technology needed to handle the growing cardiac patient population," said Klaus Hambuechen, president, Ultrasound Division of Siemens Medical Solutions. "Biosense Webster brings a wealth of expertise that will help Siemens advance patient care to new levels."

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