MEDRAD Avanta is intended to help cardiovascular healthcare professionals improve patient and operator safety and create precise clinical outcomes while providing process and cost efficiencies. The injector will be capable of controlled delivery of contrast at low flow rates and low pressures in variable mode to enable injections of small vessels like the coronary arteries. For larger vessels and peripheral imaging needs, the injector can generate high flow rates and high-pressure injections in fixed mode. In addition, saline can be administered at a fixed rate.

The Vanguard Dx Angiographic Catheter with patented RadiantFlowTM tip technology delivers contrast in a distinctive way. Instead of the single jet of contrast generated by traditional catheters, Vanguard Dx's RadiantFlow tip produces a "cloud" of contrast intended to enhance mixing and distribution. This radial dispersion of contrast has the potential to reduce catheter whipping and enhance tip stability during injections. Vanguard Dx catheters will be available in the fifteen most common shapes and in two sizes: 4 French (FR) and 5FR. According to independent research, a 4FR catheter size may increase patient comfort, reduce the need and expense of wound closure devices1, and reduce patient ambulation time following diagnostic cardiac procedures when used in place of 6FR catheters.2

MEDRAD Avanta and Vanguard Dx can work together as a fluid management system to provide solutions for cardiac specialists in virtually all cardiac imaging procedures.
"When designing MEDRAD Avanta and Vanguard Dx we specifically considered creating products that will improve patient and physician safety, create precise clinical outcomes, and reduce costs," stated Kraig McEwen, senior vice president, Cardiovascular Business Unit. "This combination of innovative products will give us the opportunity to help our cardiovascular customers improve patient outcomes and, at the same time, improve their bottom lines."

MEDRAD Avanta and Vanguard Dx are awaiting 510(k) clearance and are not currently for sale. MEDRAD Avanta, Vanguard Dx, and RadiantFlow are trademarks of MEDRAD, INC.

MEDRAD, INC. is a worldwide leading provider of medical devices and services that enable and enhance imaging procedures of the human body. Used in diagnostic imaging, MEDRAD's product offerings include a comprehensive line of vascular injection systems, magnetic resonance (MR) surface coils and accessory products, and equipment services. Total 2004 revenues were $343 million. MEDRAD is a 2003 recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the top honor a U.S. company can receive for quality and business excellence. The company's world headquarters is near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. MEDRAD is a U.S. affiliate of Schering AG, Germany (NYSE:SHR). For more information, visit MEDRAD's website at www.medrad.com.

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