For Release: 09-15-2003

Sorenson Medical, Inc., Trach-Eze Neonatal/Pediatric Closed Suction Catheter System Reduces Ventilatory Compromise to the Patient

SALT LAKE CITY (September 16, 2003) – Sorenson Medical, Inc. announced today the immediate availability of its Trach-Eze® Neonatal/Pediatric Closed Suction Catheter System for ventilated patients. The clear, lightweight Trach-Eze is designed exclusively for neonatal patients by incorporating isolation of the Catheter Assembly from the patient, modular components, minimal dead space, a straight ventilation channel, and colored as well as numeric depth markings. In addition to being a modular system, the unique endotracheal tube (ETT) Connector Access Valve completely isolates the suction catheter from the patient, maintains an obstruction-free airway after each suction episode, and minimizes ventilator circuit breaks thus maintaining efficient ventilation and reducing the potential for infection.

The Trach-Eze’s unique ETT Connector Access Valve improves patient management by isolating the suction catheter from the patient while maintaining ventilation. This prevents loss of PEEP, fiO2, and Vt during catheter cleaning and doesn’t interrupt Conventional, Jet, or Oscillatory Ventilation during catheter change-out. The Trach-Eze ETT Connector Access Valve prevents accidental irrigation of saline into airways while at the same time, protecting clinicians from back-spray.

Another feature of the Trach-Eze System is the completely sealed Suction Control Valve that provides added safety features for the patient. The locking of the valve decreases incidence of improper valve use or inadvertent suction. The easy-to-use locking valve provides visual, written, and physical indicators denoting the device is either locked or unlocked.

The modular design and components of the neonatal/pediatric Trach-Eze provide added safety and comfort for ventilated patients as well as lower costs by eliminating waste through separate ETT Connector and Catheter Assembly packaging. The Catheter Assembly of the Trach-Eze incorporates a clear Sputum Trap™ for visualization and assessment of secretions, color-coded Fr size markings, and a catheter with numeric as well as colored depth markings for accurate depth insertion and minimal mucosal trauma. The blunt tip with specially designed eyelets provides efficient vacuum flow and lessens blunt trauma caused by defined-angled tips.

“Sorenson Medical, Inc. is committed to producing the highest-quality line of Closed Suction Catheter Systems for adults and children,” said Thomas Orsini, President and COO at Sorenson Medical, Inc. “We believe the unique access valve and modular design will make the Trach-Eze the clinician’s Closed Suction Catheter System of choice for ventilated patients.”

The Trach-Eze's separate ETT Connectors fit endotracheal tube sizes 2.0-4.5 mm. Also available is a universal 15 mm I.D. airway connector. An addition to the Trach-Eze Neonatal/Pediatric Closed Suction Catheter System is the unique Surfactant Delivery Adapter. This low-cost adapter enables surfactant delivery without change-out of the catheter and disconnection of the patient from the ventilator.

For more information on Trach-Eze features, clinical support, or reimbursement consulting, visit www.sorensonmedical.com. To order the Trach-Eze Closed Suction Catheter System, contact Sorenson Medical, Inc.'s exclusive North American distributor, Medline Industries, at www.medline.com or 1-800-MEDLINE.

About Sorenson Medical, Inc.
Sorenson Medical, Inc. (www.sorensonmedical.com) is an international medical device manufacturer that is focused on producing the most innovative devices available while maintaining low costs and ease of usability. These products are developed to improve the quality of life of medical patients throughout the world. Current Sorenson Medical, Inc. proprietary products include ambIT™ infusion pumps and Trach-Eze® Closed Suction Catheter Systems.