PLC Plc Systems,

CO2 TMR Technology Applied with Robotic Assistance FRANKLIN, Mass., April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PLC Systems Inc. announced today that a cardiac surgical team from the Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, OH has completed the first carbon dioxide (CO2) Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR) procedure with robotic assistance. Dr. J. Michael Smith, a cardiac surgeon and director of Robotic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital, performed the operation using an innovative combination of these two cutting-edge technologies. The CO2 Heart Laser was utilized to create new blood-flow channels in the heart of a 66 year-old angina patient. The patient was discharged after only two days and is doing well. The CO2 Heart Laser system, manufactured by PLC Systems Inc. and distributed by Edwards Lifesciences Corporation , has already been used to successfully treat more than 10,000 patients suffering from angina. Dr. Smith utilized the robot to provide visualization during the "closed- chest" procedure. With visualization and several small incisions a surgeon can perform TMR with the CO2 Heart Laser less invasively than through an open chest or thoracotomy. Such less invasive technologies provide the same benefit to patients' and reduce hospital stays and recovery time. "CO2 TMR has proven to be an effective therapy for severe angina patients," stated Dr. J. Michael Smith. "In addition, robotic-assisted technology is gaining a pivotal role in the cardiac surgical community. We believe providing this established angina relief therapy through less invasive methods will be beneficial for patients." About TriHealth -- Good Samaritan and Bethesda North Hospitals Tri-Health is comprised of Good Samaritan Hospital and Bethesda North Hospital; both have been providing excellent, leading-edge heart care for more than a generation. In fact, Good Samaritan Hospital was a pioneer in heart surgery, performing the first cardiac catheterization and the first open-heart surgery in a private adult hospital in Cincinnati, OH. Today, TriHealth continues to break new ground and is both the first to use robotics in open- heart surgery, and the first hospital in the Cincinnati region implementing a TMR laser. About PLC Systems Inc. PLC Systems is a medical technology company specializing in innovative technologies for the cardiac and vascular markets. Currently, the company is focused on two unique laser therapies for the treatments of severe angina and cardiac arrhythmias. Headquartered in Franklin, Mass., PLC pioneered the CO2 Heart Laser System that cardiac surgeons use to perform CO2 transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) to alleviate symptoms of severe angina. For the cardiac arrhythmia market, PLC is developing a surgical cardiac ablation laser technology, known as the Optimaze. Additional company information can be found at http://www.plcmed.com/. About Edwards Lifesciences Edwards Lifesciences is a leader in advanced cardiovascular disease treatments and the number-one heart valve company in the world. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Edwards focuses on four main cardiovascular disease states: heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and congestive heart failure. The company's global brands, which are sold in approximately 100 countries, include Carpentier-Edwards, Cosgrove-Edwards, Swan-Ganz and Fogarty. Additional company information can be found at http://www.edwards.com/. Contact: John Jordan Director of Communications 508-541-8800, ext. 145 DATASOURCE: PLC Systems Inc. CONTACT: John Jordan, Director of Communications of PLC Systems Inc., +1- 508-541-8800, ext. 145 Web site: http://www.edwards.com/ http://www.plcmed.com/

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