• Latest addition to Vascular Solutions' SuperCross line provides a flexible tip microcatheter for use in challenging interventions
• Designed in response to physician requests for specific performance characteristics needed for the majority of cases that call for a microcatheter
• FT adds to current straight and angled tip configurations of the SuperCross

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vascular Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq:VASC) today announced that it has launched the SuperCross FT, a new flexible-tip version of its line of SuperCross microcatheters. SuperCross FT has been designed to address the majority of complex interventional procedures in which a flexible tipped microcatheter is needed.

Vascular Solutions' family of SuperCross microcatheters consists of single lumen, over-the-wire microcatheters designed for guidewire support and exchange, as well as the infusion of contrast media or therapeutic agents in the coronary and peripheral vasculature. The full-length braided stainless steel construction and low profile of the SuperCross microcatheters allow access to small and tortuous vessels and enhance the ability to cross plaque lesions.

"SuperCross FT is the latest offering in our popular line of microcatheters, and was engineered specifically in response to physician requests for a more flexible tip that provides superior deliverability over a guidewire in tortuous anatomy," said Howard Root, Chief Executive Officer of Vascular Solutions.

 Vascular Solutions' original SuperCross microcatheter was launched in January 2011 with a straight tip that was designed for cases in which physicians needed extra support for the wire to advance past a challenging lesion. The next version introduced, SuperCross AT, features angled tip designs for directing guidewire placement in bifurcated lesions, and is offered in three pre-set tip configurations: 45, 90 and 120 degree angles.

"With the addition of SuperCross FT, we now have a full line of microcatheter tip designs to meet a very broad spectrum of clinical needs," Mr. Root added. "All of our SuperCross microcatheters provide excellent deliverability and guidewire support during coronary and peripheral catheterization procedures, but we view the new FT as the new workhorse version within this product line."

Like the other models of SuperCross, the new SuperCross FT is compatible with 0.014-inch guidewires. Also like the original straight-tip model, SuperCross FT is available in 130cm and 150cm working lengths, has a fully embedded gold distal marker band, a clear proximal catheter hub, two depth mark indicators to aid in determining position within the guide catheter, and a hydrophilic coating on the distal 40cm to enhance deliverability to the target vasculature. 

All versions of the SuperCross microcatheters are intended to be used in conjunction with steerable guidewires to access discrete regions of the coronary and/or peripheral vasculature. They may be used to facilitate placement and exchange of guidewires and other interventional devices and to subselectively infuse/deliver diagnostic and therapeutic agents.  

About Vascular Solutions

Vascular Solutions, Inc. is an innovative medical device company that focuses on developing unique clinical solutions for coronary and peripheral vascular procedures. The company's product line consists of over 60 products in three categories: catheter products, hemostat products and vein products. Vascular Solutions delivers its products to interventional cardiologists, interventional radiologists, electrophysiologists, and vein specialists through its direct U.S. sales force and international independent distributor network.

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, 2011 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, lack of sustained profitability, exposure to intellectual property claims, significant variability in quarterly results, exposure to possible product liability claims, the development of new products by others, doing business in international markets, the availability of third party reimbursement, and actions by the FDA.

For further information, connect to www.vasc.com.