Boston Scientific iLab(TM) System Posts Record Sales In Nine Months Since System Launch

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX - News) today announced that worldwide sales of its iLab(TM) Ultrasound Imaging (IVUS) System have passed the 300 unit mark in just nine months since launch of the system in May of 2006. This is double the number of sales realized by the Galaxy(2)(TM) Imaging System, the predecessor to the iLab System and represents a significant increase in market penetration for the company’s IVUS technology.
Boston Scientific will be featuring the intuitive iLab System at this year’s American College of Cardiology (ACC) meeting from March 24-28 in New Orleans, LA.

With the introduction of the iLab System, Boston Scientific has made a major step forward in streamlining the IVUS workflow through the cardiac catheterization lab or radiology suite. The installation of IVUS hardware directly into the cath lab improves workflow while maintaining the superior image quality critical to the success of procedures. The system’s tableside controller gives physicians control of the system within the sterile field, and the unique Dynamic Review(TM) feature enhances image interpretation. In addition, the easy-to-upgrade platform allows for future innovation to keep pace with a fast-moving health care environment.

“Our cath lab has incorporated the installed iLab System in five procedure rooms,” said Dr. Tom Meyer of Medical Center of Georgia in Macon, GA. “The addition of iLab has significantly improved the ease of use of IVUS and since the installations we are performing more IVUS procedures than ever. IVUS is an important tool in determining treatment options because it provides a complete picture from inside the artery or vessel to help optimize stent outcomes.”

With IVUS, a tiny catheter is inserted into the heart or into a vessel where high-frequency sound waves reflect off tissue or vessel walls. The reflected sound waves create a cross-sectional image from within the vessel or heart to aid in visualizing vessel and heart structure. IVUS technology also provides physicians with a better understanding of blocked vessels, assisting in proper selection and placement of stents and other devices to restore blood flow at the site of the blockage.

“We are very pleased with the success of the iLab system. We have successfully placed iLab System units in cardiac cath labs that use x-ray imaging systems from GE Healthcare, Philips Medical Systems, Siemens Medical Solutions and Toshiba Medical Systems,” said Chris Japp, General Manager of Boston Scientific’s Imaging business. “By listening to our customers, we have developed and brought to market a product that provides physicians with excellent medical imaging tools for clinical diagnostic, interventional, and follow up procedures. The result is enhanced patient care as well as more efficient and more effective processes in the lab.”