SynCardia Systems Appoints Rodger G. Ford to Board of Directors

TUCSON, Ariz. – May 11, 2004 – SynCardia Systems, Inc., a privately held developer of biomechanical cardiac replacement and assist devices, announced today the appointment of Rodger G. Ford to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Ford brings more than 30 years of entrepreneurial accomplishments and leadership to the SynCardia Board, having founded AlphaGraphics Print Shops of the Future and Anthem Equity Group, Inc. Under Mr. Ford’s leadership, AlphaGraphics grew to more than 400 locations worldwide, with franchises in Canada, South America, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. At Anthem Equity Group, which develops and operates office and industrial real estate, Mr. Ford in responsible for new business opportunities and venture investing. Mr. Ford has served on Boards for numerous organizations and was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000.

“Rodger’s leadership, vision and experience in growing successful companies makes him an invaluable resource for SynCardia. This is exciting time for SynCardia as the CardioWest™ temporary Total Artificial Heart continues on course to become the world’s first FDA-approved total artificial heart,” said Dr. Marvin Slepian, president and CEO, SynCardia. “We look forward to his strategic counsel as SynCardia moves into the next state of corporate growth both in the United States and in Europe, where the CardioWest™ TAH-t is already available.”

“The market potential for the CardioWest™ temporary Total Artificial Heart is tremendous and I am pleased to provide SynCardia’s Board of Directors and executive team with guidance and support at this exciting juncture,” said Rodger Ford.

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