Columbia University Medical Center performs the 100th ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis implant

ATS Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATSI), manufacturer and marketer of state-of-the-art cardiac surgery products and services, today announced that Columbia University Medical Center has achieved 100 implants of the ATS 3f(R) Aortic Bioprosthesis. Based on the precept that 'Form Follows Function,' the ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis is a revolutionary next generation stentless pericardial aortic tissue valve that is unlike any other valve.

The Columbia University surgeons have utilized the ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis predominantly in small aortic roots where conventional stented tissue valves lack a pronounced hemodynamic benefit. These surgeons are also pioneering applications of the ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis including use of the ATS 3f valve together with a synthetic aortic graft containing the sinuses of valsalva for full root replacement. Columbia University Medical Center is the leading ATS Center of Excellence for surgical training, clinical trial enrollment, and demonstration of the clinical benefit for patients receiving the ATS 3f valve using the principles of evidence based medicine.

The tubular design of the ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis was inspired by how a native valve forms in utero: as a tube with sides that collapse when external pressure is applied. Its primary benefit is that it restores physiologic, non-turbulent blood flow and native-like stress distribution to the aortic root.

"The design of the ATS 3f valve is unique and may improve longevity by providing normal sinus function allowing the swirling effect of the blood to close the valve under low pressure. There is no bulky stent to impede the outflow of blood from the heart during systolic contraction. The result is the excellent hemodynamic performance of the ATS 3f valve that we have documented at Columbia," stated Allan Stewart, MD.

"We are gratified that the experience with the ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis at Columbia University Medical Center demonstrates the excellent performance and strong safety profile of this valve. Growing numbers of surgeons around the world are achieving similar results," stated Michael Dale, President and CEO of ATS Medical.