TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 31, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Southwestern Medical Solutions, Inc. (Pink Sheets:SWNM) is pleased to announce that the company's design team has begun to advance the technical elements for a Carotid Endarterectomy Shunt. Carotid endarterectomy is the surgery that removes harmful plaque from the carotid arteries. These arteries supply your brain with oxygen-laden blood; if plaque and other fatty materials block an artery, it stops the blood flow and the resultant lack of oxygen to the brain could cause a stroke.
As well, the company has developed manufacturing processes and new, patented, materials that will greatly enhance the development of all versions of its exclusively licensed Protect-A-Pal safety syringe products. Vice President of New Product Development, Richard Powell, noted, "These new patented, licensed materials, coupled with our latest designs, will allow us to construct a more maneuverable carotid shunt helping the surgeon to perform more precisely and potentially more efficiently."
Southwestern Medical is currently conducting research into various versions of its Carotid Shunts to determine which of those will be advanced toward manufacturing and product launch via the prototype - clinical trials stages. The advancements in the available materials specifically licensed to Southwestern Medical are believed to give the company a leading edge in this surgical technique, which may help increase the effectiveness of the surgery by reducing both the incision size and the duration of the operation.
Poised For Launch into Enormous Healthcare Markets
Currently involved in clinical investigative studies for its patent protected Labguard systems, Southwestern Medical Solutions continues to develop exciting advancements in products for the healthcare community. With the Carotid Endarterectomy Shunt, as well as the exclusive rights to produce and distribute the patented Protect-A-Pal safe syringe systems, and its potential entrance into the Hydrotherapy market, the company is poised to gain a meaningful share of the healthcare marketplace.
The Company's proprietary Labguard(TM) on-site collection & diagnostic testing technology represents a revolutionary approach that ensures greater safety and convenience for diagnostic testing administrators at an attractive, market-competitive price. Currently in the final prototype stage, Labguard(TM) has attracted expressions of strong interest from several major medical-device distribution companies, both in the U.S. and abroad. Numerous applications of the Labguard(TM) to address specific market needs, such as non-invasive HIV testing, are currently in the design, prototype and/or testing stages. Southwestern Medical is also involved in prototype design and testing of several versions of the promising Protect-A-Pal(TM) needle safety device, to which it now owns the world marketing rights.
The statements made in this press release, which are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements concerning potential developments affecting the business, prospects, financial conditions and other aspects of the company to which this release pertains. The actual results of the specific items described in the release, and the company's operations generally, may differ materially from what is projected in such forward- looking statements. Although such statements are based upon the best judgments of management of the company as of the date of this release, significant deviations in magnitude, timing and other factors may result from business risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the company's dependence on third parties, general market and economic conditions, technical factors, the availability of outside capital, receipt of revenues and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the company. The company disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement.