MINNEAPOLIS, June 5, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Vascular Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq:VASC) today announced that it has received notification from its Japanese distribution partner Nihon Kohden Corporation that it has completed the import license and reimbursement notification for sales of the Pronto(r) V3 extraction catheter to commence in Japan. Sales of the Pronto V3 catheter in Japan are expected to commence in the third quarter. The Pronto V3 catheter is designed for the mechanical aspiration removal of acute thrombus from the arterial system.
Howard Root, CEO of Vascular Solutions, Inc., commented: "We believe that the Pronto V3 is well positioned to succeed in the substantial market for thrombus aspiration catheters in Japan. We are very pleased with the focus and accomplishments of our distribution partner Nihon Kohden, which has demonstrated itself as a professional and successful distributor of medical devices in Japan since 1951."
Hiroshi Aida, general manager of Nihon Kohden's Import Business Operations, commented: "Our collaboration with Vascular Solutions and the introduction of the Pronto V3 extraction catheter provide us an opportunity to extend our offering of devices to the interventional cardiologists in Japan while maintaining our commitment to providing the highest quality in care for patients. The enhancements made to the Pronto V3 in combination with Nihon Kohden's nationwide sales network should allow us to better meet the demands of the Japanese interventional cardiology market. We look forward to the continued collaboration and success with Vascular Solutions in the Japanese market."
About Nihon Kohden Corporation
Nihon Kohden is Japan's largest manufacturer and distributor of medical electronic equipment, with net sales of over $1 billion in its 2007 fiscal year. For more information on Nihon Kohden, visit the company's web site at www.nihonkohden.com.
About Vascular Solutions
Vascular Solutions, Inc. is a medical device company that focuses on developing unique solutions for unmet clinical opportunities within vascular procedures. The company's five product categories consist of hemostat (blood clotting) products, extraction (clot removal) catheters, vein products, specialty catheters and access products. New products introduced since the second half of 2003 include the D-Stat(r) Dry hemostatic bandage used for the rapid control of topical bleeding, the Pronto(r) extraction catheter for the aspiration of soft thrombus, the Vari-Lase endovenous laser product line for the treatment of varicose veins, the Langston(r) dual lumen specialty catheter for the measurement of aortic stenosis and the Twin-Pass(r) dual access specialty catheter for dual wire access in percutaneous procedures.
The information in this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Important factors that may cause such differences include those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and other recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with the need for adoption of our new products, limited working capital, lack of sustained profitability, exposure to intellectual property claims, exposure to possible product liability claims, the development of new products by others, doing business in international markets, limited manufacturing experience, the availability of third party reimbursement, and actions by the FDA.
For further information, connect to www.vascularsolutions.com.