Press Release:

TUCSON, Ariz. – June 16, 2004 – SynCardia Systems, Inc., a privately held developer of biomechanical cardiac replacement and assist devices, today announced the appointment of Michael J. Quinn to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Quinn brings extensive experience and success in leading major healthcare companies to the SynCardia Board. Currently, Mr. Quinn serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of CardioGenesis, the market leader in surgical products and accessories used in angina-relieving Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR) and Percutaneous Myocardial Revascularization (PMR) procedures. Under his leadership, the company has seen increased sales and heightened demand for its principal products.

Prior to CardioGenesis, Mr. Quinn held a number of executive management positions including Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer at companies including American Hospital Supply Corporation (V. Mueller and Scientific Products Divisions), Picker International, Cardinal Health Group, Bergen Brunswig and Fisher Scientific. He was most recently President and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Laser Systems, a manufacturer of surgical and laser products, and prior to that, he served as President of Imagyn Medical Technologies, a manufacturer of minimally invasive surgical specialty products.

“As SynCardia makes strides toward FDA-approval of the CardioWest™ temporary Total Artificial Heart (TAH-t), we believe Mike’s deep-seeded expertise in the healthcare industry and leadership bringing medical innovations to market will be a great asset to our company,” said Dr. Marvin J. Slepian, president and CEO, SynCardia. “We welcome Mike’s guidance as SynCardia moves from a period of research and development into a period focused on delivering the CardioWest™ TAH-t to the American and European markets.”

“On track to become the first total artificial heart ever approved by the FDA, the CardioWest™ TAH-t is destined to have a powerful and important impact on the healthcare industry,” said Michael Quinn. “I am enthusiastic about the potential of this device and excited to bring my experience to the Board of Directors as SynCardia moves into a new period of growth.”

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About SynCardia Systems, Inc.

SynCardia Systems, Inc. is the Tucson-based manufacturer of the world’s only FDA, Health Canada and CE approved Total Artificial Heart: the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart. There have been more than 850 implants of the Total Artificial Heart, accounting for more than 190 patient years of life on the device. 

Originally used as a permanent replacement heart, the Total Artificial Heart is currently approved as a bridge to human heart transplant for people dying from end-stage biventricular failure. The Total Artificial Heart is the only device that provides immediate, safe blood flow of up to 9.5 L/min through both ventricles.

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Media Contact:
Don Isaacs
Vice President of Communications
SynCardia Systems, Inc.
Cell: (520) 955-0660