( EXACT and CAPTURE 2 Findings Suggest Im...)Two Abbott Studies Reaffirm Carotid Artery Stenting as a Safe and,Effective Treatment to Reduce Risk of Stroke,Health

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., March 26, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Positive 30-day results from two Abbott studies confirm that carotid stenting can be performed with positive results by physicians with a variety of background experience in real-world (non-clinical trial) settings in patients who are not favorable candidates for surgery. Interim results from the first 1,500 patients enrolled in EXACT (Emboshield and Xact Post Approval Carotid Stent Trial) and from the first 600 patients enrolled in CAPTURE 2 (Carotid ACCULINK/ACCUNET Post Approval Trial to Uncover Rare Events) were presented today by William A. Gray, M.D., FACC, of Medical Center in New York, in a late-breaking clinical trial session at the 56th Annual of Cardiology Scientific Session in New Orleans.

"The results from these two studies reaffirm that carotid stenting is a safe, effective minimally invasive treatment option for patients with carotid artery disease who may be at risk of experiencing adverse events from surgery," said Dr. Gray. "The results also suggest that patient outcomes are improving over time as the practice of carotid stenting increases."

The primary endpoint of death, stroke and heart attack at 30 days was 4.6 percent in EXACT and 5.2 percent in CAPTURE 2. Further, results from EXACT and CAPTURE 2 demonstrated a low rate of 30-day major stroke and/or death in patients treated with Abbott's carotid stent systems (1.8 percent in EXACT, 1.3 percent in CAPTURE 2). The EXACT post-approval study utilizes Abbott's Xact(R) Rapid Exchange Carotid Stent System and Emboshield BareWire(TM) Rapid Exchange Embolic Protection System. CAPTURE 2 utilizes the company's ACCULINK(TM) Carotid Stent System and ACCUNET(TM) Embolic Protection System.

"The results of our most recent post market studies are very encouraging, and suggest continued progress
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