Heart Valve Trial Results

Aortech International PLC 4 October 2000 AORTECH INTERNATIONAL PLC NEW SYNTHETIC TRI-LEAFLET HEART VALVE TRIAL RESULTS AorTech International plc, the Scottish-based manufacturer of cardiovascular devices, announces the explanted results of its new Tri-Leaflet Heart Valve. The valves have now been explanted from the first in vivo trials and have shown excellent results in respect of their haemodynamics and biostability. A paper on the results was presented at the European Association for Artificial Organs in Switzerland in September. Professor Wheatley, who presented the paper on the results of the studies at the European Association for Artificial Organs said: 'These explanted valves, which have been made from the new biostable Elast-Eon material have demonstrated superior haemodynamics to bioprostethic valves and have improved blood compatibility retaining flexibility and haemodynamic function. These biostable heart valves offer the prospect of a clinical valve with prolonged function. I look forward to AorTech's final development stages of this exciting project to bring forward a new generation of heart valves'. Professor David Wheatley, Past President of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, 1998-99, Professor of Cardiac Surgery, Glasgow University, and Consultant Cardiac Surgeon was lead partner in the U.K. Universities Consortium involved in the project until June 2000. Eddie McDaid, Managing Director of AorTech, said: 'The results confirm the excellent progress that AorTech is making in the development of our New Synthetic Tri-Leaflet Heart Valve. Our intention is to develop the next generation heart valve and overcome the disadvantages inherent in both mechanical and tissue valves and these results reflect the continued progress towards our goal'. 4 October 2000 Enquiries: AorTech International plc 01698 746699 Eddie McDaid, Managing Director College Hill 020 7457 2020 Michael Padley / Nicholas Nelson Copies of this statement will be available for a period of 14 days form the Company's registered office: Phoenix Crescent, Strathclyde Business Park, Bellshill, Scotland ML4 3NU