St. Jude Medical Announces CE Mark Approval And European Launch Of TigerWire Steerable Guidewire

St. Jude Medical, Inc. ( NYSE: STJ ) announced European CE Mark approval and the European launch of TigerWire™ Steerable Guidewire. The announcement was made in Barcelona, Spain, at EuroPCR 2008, a premiere scientific and professional event for cardiologists, vascular surgeons and other medical specialists who perform interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stenting to treat cardiovascular diseases.

The newest member of the St. Jude Medical GuideRight™ family of steerable guidewires, the TigerWire Steerable Guidewire is designed to enhance physicians' ability to steer through challenging peripheral arteries, vessels that supply blood to the legs and arms.

A guidewire is a thin, flexible wire that physicians use to help guide and steer a catheter ( a flexible tube ) . The insertion of a guidewire is a first step in diagnostic and interventional procedures in which physicians thread catheters through arteries to diagnose the severity of disease or deliver treatments, including devices such as stents that open blockages and restore blood flow.

The TigerWire Guidewire's tip is designed with enhanced flexibility to aid in navigation through vessels. Its supportive design provides distinct zones of flexibility that make it easier for physicians to track and position guidewire through challenging anatomy.

" As physicians treat more complex peripheral cases, need for versatile wires has grown. The TigerWire Steerable Guidewire has been engineered for improved steerability and support, " said Denis Gestin, president of St. Jude Medical International Division. " It gives physicians a tool with enhanced tactile feel which allows them to access difficult-to-reach vessels when performing complex diagnostic and interventional procedures. "

St. Jude Medical announced U. S. launch of the TigerWire Steerable Guidewire in April 2008. Feedback from physician customers has been overwhelmingly positive.

About St. Jude Medical

St. Jude Medical develops medical technology and services that focus on putting more control into the hands of those who treat cardiac, neurological and chronic pain patients worldwide. The company is dedicated to advancing practice of medicine by reducing risk wherever possible and contributing to successful outcomes for every patient. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn. , St. Jude Medical employs more than 12, 000 people worldwide and has five major focus areas that include: cardiac rhythm management, atrial fibrillation, cardiac surgery, cardiology and neuromodulation. For more information, please visit http: //www. sjm. com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include expectations, plans and prospects for Company, including potential clinical successes, anticipated regulatory approvals and future product launches, and projected revenues, margins, earnings, and market shares. The statements made by Company are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include market conditions and other factors beyond Company's control and risk factors and other cautionary statements described in Company's filings with SEC, including those described in Risk Factors and Cautionary Statements sections of Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2008. The Company does not intend to update these statements and undertakes no duty to any person to provide any such update under any circumstance.

St. Jude Medical

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What we know about Diazepam.

Diazepam: uses Diazepam is used to treat episodes of increased seizures ( e. g. , acute repetitive seizures, breakthrough seizures ) in people who are already taking medications to control their seizures. Diazepam is only recommended for short-term treatment of seizure attacks. It isn't for ongoing daily use to prevent seizures. Uncontrolled seizures can turn into serious ( possibly fatal ) seizures that do not stop ( status epilepticus ) .

Diazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines which produce a calming effect on brain and nerves ( central nervous system ) . It is thought to work by increasing effect of a certain natural chemical ( GABA ) in brain.

Diazepam: how to use Read Patient/Caregiver Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before we use Diazepam and each time you get a refill. If we have questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Diazepam is given rectally by a caregiver trained to recognize the symptoms of your seizures and to correctly give product. You and your caregivers must follow all instructions from your doctor and pharmacist exactly. Review all instructions on how to give Diazepam in the product package. If we have any questions or feel unsure about using Diazepam, call doctor or pharmacist before using Diazepam. Get emergency help if person is having a seizure and you don't feel comfortable using Diazepam.

Before using, check the syringe for correct dose. Your pharmacist should set correct dose and lock syringe in the " ready " position before giving we the product. Before leaving the pharmacy, look at each syringe. The dose should be in the display window on side. You should see a green band with the word " ready " at bottom of syringe barrel. Look to make sure we have correct syringe tip ( e. g. , smaller tip for a child ) and that there are no cracks around syringe tip. Return the product to pharmacist if there's a problem or if we have any questions

Cracks can cause medication to leak out and not provide the correct amount of medication. If we see a crack, use a different syringe. Cracks can appear over time, so keep checking your syringes to make sure we have good ones ready to use. Also check expiration date on package, and refill your prescription before medication expires.

The dosage is based on age, weight, medical condition, and response to therapy. Be sure you understand when Diazepam should be used, how to use it, and how to check for side effects/seizure control. In some cases, a second dose may be prescribed and given 4 to 12 hours after the first dose. Usually, Diazepam shouldn't be used to treat more than 5 episodes per month and no more than one episode every 5 days. If seizures continue after using Diazepam as prescribed ( e. g. , no change 15 minutes after dose is given ) , or if there is a change in the person's breathing, behavior, or condition that alarms you, get emergency help right away.

Diazepam shouldn't be used regularly. This medication may cause dependence when it has been used regularly for a long time ( more than a few weeks ) or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, if we suddenly stop Diazepam, withdrawal reactions may occur while use Diazepam. Such reactions can include increased seizures. Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. When stopping extended, regular treatment with Diazepam, gradually reducing dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Though it's very unlikely to occur, Diazepam can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior ( addiction/habit forming ) . Don't increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed.

Dispose of Diazepam properly. Follow directions in Patient Information Leaflet. Do not reuse the syringe.

Don't stop taking your regular seizure control medications when we are given Diazepam.

Diazepam: side effects Drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, and unsteadiness may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Diazepam because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Diazepam do not have serious side effects. Diazepam stays in body for a long time. Be sure to watch for reactions for at least 4 hours after giving medication.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur:

A serious allergic reaction to Diazepam is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Diazepam: precautions Before using Diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines ( e. g. , oxazepam, temazepam ) ; or if we have any other allergies.

Diazepam should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if we have:

Before using Diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

Diazepam may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving, riding a bicycle, or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Caution is advised when using Diazepam in elderly because they may be more sensitive to effects of Diazepam, especially the drowsiness effect.

Diazepam is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If we become pregnant or think we may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor for more details.

Diazepam may pass into breast milk. Because of possible harm to the infant, breast-feeding while using Diazepam is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Diazepam: interactions Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Don't start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Diazepam shouldn't be used with the following medications because a very serious interaction may occur while use Diazepam:

If you're currently using either of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before using Diazepam.

Before using Diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use, especially of:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if we also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antidepressants ( e. g. , amitriptyline, nefazodone ) , certain antihistamines ( e. g. , diphenhydramine ) , anti-seizure drugs ( e. g. , carbamazepine, phenobarbital, valproate ) , medicine for sleep or anxiety ( e. g. , alprazolam, kava, zolpidem ) , muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers ( e. g. , codeine ) , psychiatric medicines ( e. g. , chlorpromazine, risperidone ) .

Diazepam contains a small amount of alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are taking drugs such as disulfiram or metronidazole that can can cause an unpleasant reaction when combined with alcohol.

Avoid alcohol when using Diazepam because it may increase side effects such as difficulty breathing and drowsiness.

Check labels on all your medicines ( e. g. , cough-and-cold products ) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about safe use of those products.

This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Diazepam: overdose If overdose of Diazepam is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, slow reflexes, clumsiness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

Diazepam: notes Don't share Diazepam with others. It's against law.

Diazepam: missed dose Not applicable.

Diazepam: storage Store Diazepam at room temperature at 77 degrees F ( 25 degrees C ) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F ( 15-30 degrees C ) is permitted. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Properly discard Diazepam when it's expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

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