U.S. Federal Trade Commission to Challenge Thoratec's Proposed Acquisition of HeartWare Int...(s a trademark of Thoratec Corporation. ....)

About HeartWare International, Inc.

HeartWare International develops and manufactures miniaturized implantable heart pumps, or Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) to treat patients suffering from advanced heart failure. HeartWare's HVAD(TM) pump is the only full-output pump designed to be implanted in the chest. HeartWare has completed an international clinical trial for the device involving five investigational centers in Europe and Australia. The device is currently the subject of a 150-patient clinical trial in the United States for a bridge-to-transplantation indication.

Additional Information and Where You Can Find It

Thoratec has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 containing a proxy statement/prospectus and other documents concerning the proposed acquisition with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The proxy statement, once finalized, will be filed by HeartWare with the SEC and mailed by HeartWare to its stockholders. Investors are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC because they contain important information. Security holders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement/prospectus (when it is available) and other documents filed by Thoratec and HeartWare with the SEC at the SEC's web site athttp://www.sec.gov. The proxy statement/prospectus and other documents may also be obtained for free by contacting Thoratec Investor Relations by e-mail at ir@thoratec.com or by telephone at 925-847-8600 or by contacting HeartWare Investor Relations by e-mail at enquiries@heartware.com.au or by telephone at 61 2 9238 2064.

Thoratec, HeartWare and their respective directors, executive officers, certain members of management and certain
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