Bloomington, Ind., October 5, 2009 — Dr. Evangelos Liatsikos, assistant professor of the Department of Urology at the University of Patras School of Medicine in Greece, has been selected as the 2009 winner of the Arthur D. Smith Endourology Lectureship known as the "Arthur" Award. Dr. Liatsikos received the award at the 27th World Congress of Endourology (WCE) in Germany for his many contributions to the field of endourology and laparoscopy, specifically for his research and expertise in percutaneous and ureteroscopic procedures as well as for his dedication to improving overall patient care and treatment results. Presented by the Endourological Society's awards committee, the prize is funded by a grant from Cook Medical in honor of Dr. Arthur D. Smith's lifetime of achievements and contributions to the practice of endourology.

Dr. Liatsikos, who is currently the Director of the Endourology Fellowship Program and Assistant Professor of the Department of Urology at the University of Patras School of Medicine in Greece, has focused primarily on endourology and laparoscopy, publishing more than 120 articles on the topics. Additionally, Dr. Liatsikos has published two books on endoscopic surgery and serves as an editorial board member for Journal of Endourology, the official journal of the Endourological Society, International Brazilian Journal of Urology and European Urology, the official journal of the European Association of Urology (EAU). During his practice, Dr. Liatsikos has helped advance treatments for prostatic neoplasms, ureteral obstruction and erectile dysfunction. In addition, he has performed basic and clinical research promoting the field of stents in urology. Throughout his career, Dr. Liatsikos has remained devoted to collaborating with leading industry experts, like Dr. Smith, with whom he did his Endourology Fellowship at Long Island Jewish In New York.

"I am thrilled to be recognized by the Endourological Society. The Arthur award is a major achievement and it's extremely rewarding to be acknowledged for my work," said Dr. Evangelos Liatsikos. "Learning from Dr. Smith has been an invaluable experience and helped to shape the work I have done in improving endoscopic surgical techniques. I'm dedicated to the ongoing advancement of the field of endourology, specifically as it relates to percutaneous and ureteroscopic procedures. I look forward to continuing this research and collaboration with other physicians in the industry."

Supported by an annual grant from Cook Medical, the Arthur was first awarded on the occasion of Dr. Smith's departure as president of the Endourological Society at the 2004 WCE in Mumbai, India. He has remained as one of the leading innovators in the field of minimally invasive urological surgery, pioneering several new operative techniques used in percutaneous nephrolithotomy, treatment of kidney stones, percutaneous treatment of transitional cell carcinoma and endopyelotomy. Urologists are eligible for the award within the first 10 years of practice after completion of a urology residency or fellowship.

Jerry French, senior vice president and global strategic business unit leader for Cook Medical's urology division, said, "Throughout his career, Dr. Liatsikos has made significant contributions to the field of endourology. Cook is delighted that the Endourological Society has chosen to recognize him for his outstanding work and years of collaboration with other industry visionaries. We look forward to seeing where he takes his research next."

About Cook Medical
Cook Medical helped invent and popularize interventional medicine, pioneering many of the devices now commonly used worldwide to perform minimally invasive medical procedures throughout the body's vascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urological and OB/GYN pathways. 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 radiology; critical care medicine; gastroenterology; peripheral vascular medicine; bone access and oncology; interventional cardiology; general 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 focused on providing superior patient outcomes while reducing health care costs, 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. You may sign up to follow Cook Medical on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cookmedicalpr.