Bloomington, Ind., March 19, 2009 – Cook Incorporated announced today that as part of its global effort to protect its extensive intellectual property portfolio, it will appeal promptly an initial ruling by the District Court of Düsseldorf, Germany denying the company's claim that Edwards Lifesciences is infringing Cook's German patent for transcatheter valve technology.

Cook filed the action in February 2008, claiming that the Sapien THV valve made by Edwards infringes Cook's German patent.  Despite the decision today, the company remains convinced that the Edwards product infringes Cook's. In addition, Cook legal counsel stressed that the company is committed to establishing and defending its patent rights in this growing field of medical technology on a global basis.

“We are confident that the District Court's first instance decision will be corrected on appeal,” said Cynthia Kretz, general counsel for Cook. “We believe that the first instance decision relies upon an improper interpretation of our patented technology and remain confident that a proper interpretation encompasses the Edwards product. Protecting Cook's extensive intellectual property concerning transcatheter valve technology is a priority to the company's mission, and we will vigorously pursue all options.”

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.