( site of the blockage. The embolicprote...)Two Abbott Studies Reaffirm Carotid Artery Stenting as a Safe and,Effective Treatment to Reduce Risk of Stroke,Health

Currently, carotid artery stenting in the United States is approved by the FDA for treating patients who are at high risk for experiencing adverse events from surgery. Abbott's carotid stenting devices are also being investigated in a much broader group of patients who are not at high risk for surgery through two randomized clinical trials, CREST and ACT I, which compare stenting to surgery. Results from CREST and ACT I are expected to become available within three years.

Clinical evidence from Abbott's studies supported Abbott's request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reconsider its carotid stenting coverage policy. As a result, CMS last month proposed expanding carotid stenting coverage, whereby certain high surgical risk Medicare patients who have a severe carotid blockage and have not yet experienced stroke or a transient ischemic attack would, for the first time, have access to carotid artery stenting.

To date, more than 60,000 patients worldwide have undergone carotid stenting with Abbott's carotid stent systems.

For images of Abbott's carotid stent and embolic protection systems and other information, please visit the company's online ACC newsroom at http://www.abbottvascular.com/ACCpresskit .

About Abbott Vascular

Abbott Vascular, a division of Abbott, is one of the world's leading vascular care businesses. Abbott Vascular is uniquely focused on advancing the treatment of vascular disease and improving patient care by combining the latest medical device innovations with world-class pharmaceuticals, investing in research and development, and advancing medicine through training and education. Headquartered in Northern California, Abbott Vascular offers a comprehensive portfo
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