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ACIST Medical Systems and HealthTrust Purchasing Group Enter Three-Year Contract

The ACIST CVi system is an advanced contrast injector that, in one device, provides a method of contrast injection for all cardiac and vascular angiography procedures. The ACIST CVi technology was developed with the primary purpose of enabling the cardiologist to achieve greater focus on the image and the patient, instead of on stopcocks, syringes, tubing, and other equipment. ACIST's advanced, variable flow-rate injection systems have demonstrated procedural efficiency, cost savings, and reduction in contrast dosing to the patient, when compared to traditional hand-manifold and power injection methods.^1-4

"Our agreement with HealthTrust to provide the ACIST CVi contrast injection system demonstrates our goals of streamlining the process of placing quality, clinically beneficial, and cost-effective technology in the hands of clinicians more quickly and efficiently," explained Fulvio Renoldi-Bracco, Head of the Bracco Imaging Global Business Unit and CEO of ACIST Medical Systems, Inc. "This agreement provides HealthTrust members the opportunity to access the CVi injection system and provide a real benefit to their hospitals, their physicians and staff, and, most importantly, to the patients they treat."

About ACIST Medical Systems
ACIST Medical Systems, a Bracco Group company, is a pioneer and market leader of advanced contrast imaging system technology in the fields of cardiology and radiology, with a global clinical presence in over 40 countries. Over 2,200 advanced, variable-flow contrast injection systems developed for cardiology clinicians are in use worldwide; about half of which are in the United States. Over seven million patients have benefited from a cardiovascular angiography procedure using an ACIST contrast injection system. ACIST Medical Systems directly employs more than 220 people worldwide, with the majority located at its corporate headquarters in Eden Prairie, MN. Two other regional offices, in Europe and Asia, further coordinate local sales and system activities. (www.acist.com)

About the Bracco Group
Founded in 1927, the Bracco Group is today a worldwide integrated healthcare group, and one of the world leading companies in the imaging agent business, with annual turnover of more than 960 million Euro - around 65% of which is from foreign sales. Bracco SpA, the holding company of the Bracco Group, also markets ethical and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products and healthcare services in Italy, as well as Advanced Medical Technology systems on a worldwide basis through the ACIST Medical Systems, based in Minneapolis. Bracco is present in approximately 80 countries, both directly and through joint ventures or affiliates, and currently employs more than 2,300 people worldwide, over 300 of which are dedicated to Research & Development, Medical and Regulatory Affairs. (www.bracco.com)

About HealthTrust Purchasing Group
HealthTrust Purchasing Group, headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., is a group purchasing organization that supports nearly 1,400 not-for-profit and for-profit acute care facilities, as well as ambulatory surgery centers, physician practices, and alternate care sites. With an annual purchasing volume by its members of more than $17 billion, HealthTrust is committed to obtaining the best price for clinically recommended products, ensuring their timely delivery, and continuously evaluating and improving its services to the patients, physicians and clinicians it serves. The Web site is www.healthtrustpg.com.

References

1. Traditional versus automated injection contrast system in diagnostic and percutaneous coronary interventional procedures: comparison of the contrast volume delivered. Anne G, Gruberg L, Huber A, Nikolsky E, et al. Journal of Invasive Cardiology 2004; 16:360-362.

2. Saving time, saving money: A time and motion study with contrast management systems. Lehmann C, Hotaling M. Journal of Invasive Cardiology 2005 Feb; 17(2):118-121.

3. The ACIST Power Injection System reduces the amount of contrast media delivered to the patient, as well as fluoroscopy time during diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures. Brosh D, Assali A, Fuchs S, et al. International Journal of Cardiovascular Interventions 2005; 7(4):183-187.

4. Automated contrast injection in contemporary practice during cardiac catheterization and PCI: Effects on contrast-induced nephropathy. Call J, Sacrinty M, Applegate R, et al. Journal of Invasive Cardiology 2006; 18(10):469-474.

ACIST Medical Systems
Gina Jung, 952-995-9306
Marketing Services Manager
info@acistmedical.com