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MENTOR, OHIO AND MELVILLE, NEW YORK - STERIS Corporation (NYSE: STE), a leader in sterilization and surgical support technologies and VTS Medical Systems Inc., an innovator in operating room imaging and enabler of real-time collaboration among healthcare professionals, have announced the signing of a joint venture agreement designed to bring the latest high-definition video, touch-screen integration, and communication technology into hospital operating rooms.

STERIS and VTS Medical Systems have designed and installed integrated OR systems since 2005.



"This joint venture solidifies our long-term relationship," commented William O'Riordan, vice president and general manager, STERIS Surgical and Critical Care Technologies. "Our continued relationship with VTS Medical Systems will lead to new innovations in operating room management. We will leverage each company's core capabilities to deliver an ideal working environment for surgeons through enhanced information flow, room configuration, and productivity that ultimately will lead to better patient outcomes."

Financial details of the joint venture were not disclosed. STERIS will hold a minority ownership position in the newly formed entity, VTS Medical Systems, LLC.

"STERIS' large customer base and comprehensive sales and service operations complement VTS' integration technology and engineering research and development," added Allan Katz, founder and chief executive officer of VTS Medical Systems. "Over the course of our three-year relationship, our customers have benefited from the combined value-add of a total end-to-end solution."

STERIS will provide surgical lights, tables and equipment management systems, as well as sales, project management, installation, and service. VTS Medical Systems will provide high-definition video and communication solutions, including surgical displays, cameras, and operating room design, engineering, and manufacturing services.

VTS Medical Systems, LLC and STERIS representatives will formally introduce their new venture to more than 140,000 international healthcare professionals attending MEDICA, one of the world's largest medical trade shows held annually in Dusseldorf, Germany, November 19-22. STERIS and VTS Medical Systems will demonstrate the integrated products and services in Hall 12, Exhibit 33.

About STERIS:

STERIS Corporation is a leading provider of infection prevention and surgical products and services, focused primarily on the critical markets of healthcare, pharmaceutical and research. The Company's more than 5,000 dedicated employees around the world work together to supply a broad array of solutions by offering a combination of equipment, consumables and services that enhance Customer productivity and quality, and help make the world a safer place. The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol STE. For more information, visit www.steris.com.

About VTS Medical Systems:

Founded in 1979, VTS' mission is to provide solutions to the healthcare industry which enable positive patient outcomes and improve overall productivity of the healthcare professional. As a holder of numerous patents for innovative products, VTS designs, develops and integrates solutions for healthcare facilities in the Americas, EMEA and APAC. Engineered and manufactured by VTS, its surgical grade monitors provide reliable procedure imaging. VTS' integration services provide seamless access to multi-vendor medical equipment from a single point of control within the procedure room allowing real-time collaboration between healthcare professionals. Among its many accomplishments, VTS conducted the first HDTV broadcast in the medical industry.