Bloomington, Ind., December 12, 2006 – Cook Critical Care announced today the availability of the Cook EchoTip Echogenic Needle in its central venous access sets to enhance the needle’s appearance during ultrasound imaging, thereby reducing potential trauma to the patient. Ultrasound guidance is recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for all needle placements, as it offers several patient safety benefits including real-time observation of the needle, lack of ionizing radiation and relatively low cost for hospitals.

“The EchoTip significantly improves a caregiver’s ability to identify the exact 'tip' location of a needle and therefore, successfully access small targets,” said Bruce Gingles, global leader of Cook Medical’s critical care division. “Cook’s central venous catheters are the only catheters on the market with echogenic needles, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to medical innovation and patient safety.”

With enhanced tip visibility under ultrasound imaging, the EchoTip Echogenic Needles may improve the success of venous access on the first attempt, thereby reducing multiple punctures. The change enhances the echogenic properties of its needles for physicians using the company’s central venous catheters for venous pressure monitoring, blood sampling and administration of drugs and fluids.

Availability
The Cook EchoTip Echogenic Needles are now available with Cook central venous catheter and Thai-Quick Chest Tube sets and trays.

About Cook Medical
Cook Medical, the world’s largest privately held manufacturer of medical devices, has pioneered numerous innovative clinical technologies for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures since its founding in 1963. Known worldwide as a leading developer, manufacturer and global distributor of medical therapies in the fields of radiology, cardiology, urology, endovascular therapy, women’s health, critical care medicine, surgery and soft tissue repair, gastroenterology, bone access, oncology and cellular and genetic treatments, the company won the prestigious Medical Device Manufacturer of the Year Award for 2006 from Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry magazine. For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com.