San Francisco, October 14, 2008 – In an ongoing commitment to soft tissue repair innovation, Cook Medical announced the global launch of the newest generation of its Biodesign™ technology at the 2008 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons. Cook's Biodesign product line establishes a new category in tissue repair that combines the best attributes of synthetic mesh and biologic grafts while reducing disadvantages of those materials including erosion and infection. Based on the breakthrough technology that has made the original Surgisis material from Cook an advanced tissue repair solution, the newly enhanced Biodesign base material now offers surgeons better handling characteristics, long-term strength and faster tissue remodelling, thereby delivering better surgical outcomes and an improved quality of life for patients.

Using this technology, Cook is introducing the Biodesign™ Hernia Graft, designed to meet the challenges of complex hernias.

“Cook's commitment to making improvements for both patients and physicians is evident with the new Biodesign Hernia Graft,” said Dr. Neal Ellis, associate professor of surgery, University of South Alabama. “In my recent evaluation, this new device has exceeded my expectations with better handling and fewer short term problems.”

Suited for use in contaminated surgical fields, Cook's enhanced Biodesign Hernia Graft is quilted for reliable handling and perforated to ensure adequate drainage. Serving as a full-strength scaffold, the graft signals surrounding tissue to promote rapid and complete remodelling that, over time, becomes strong, vascularized tissue.

“We are excited to introduce an advanced tissue repair solution that combines the best qualities of synthetics and biologics,” said Andy Cron, vice president of Cook Medical's Surgery business unit. “As Cook continuously identifies ways to better meet the needs of surgeons and patients, our new Biodesign graft builds on our commitment to providing the most advanced options for surgery.”

Since its inception, Cook has continually offered the highest quality products that aim to simplify medical procedures and improve patient outcomes. To date, Cook's tissue engineered products have benefited nearly one million patients in 91 countries. In the U.S. the revolutionary material has more than 15 FDA clearances for use in hernia repair, fistula repair, plastic & reconstructive/ENT, staple line reinforcement, Peyronie's disease repair, continence restoration, dural repair and pelvic floor repair.

About Cook Medical:
Cook Medical was one of the first companies to help popularize interventional medicine, pioneering many of the devices now commonly used worldwide to perform minimally invasive medical procedures. Today, the company integrates minimally invasive medical device design, biopharma, gene and cell therapy, and biotech to enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes in the fields of aortic intervention; interventional cardiology; critical care medicine; gastroenterology; radiology, peripheral vascular, bone access and oncology; surgery and soft tissue repair; urology; and assisted reproductive technology, gynecology and high-risk obstetrics. Founded in 1963 and operated as a family-held private corporation, Cook is a past winner of the prestigious Medical Device Manufacturer of the Year Award from Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry magazine. For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com.