Somanetics Awarded Australian Patent for Multi-Channel Cerebral Oximeter Technology

TROY, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 2004--Somanetics Corporation (Nasdaq:SMTS), a leader in the emerging medical device field focused on preventing neurological injury related to surgery, announced today that the Australian Patent Office has awarded AU Patent No. 760195. The patent covers the application of noninvasive, near-infrared spectroscopy to measure continuously and substantially concurrently a blood metabolite (oxygen saturation) in at least two separate internal regions of the brain. The Australian patent, titled "Multi-Channel, Noninvasive, Tissue Oximeter," relates to Somanetics' INVOS(R) (in vivo optical spectroscopy) technology used in its INVOS Cerebral Oximeter patient monitoring system. It is a counterpart to a patent issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to Somanetics in September 2003 that covers important aspects of the INVOS Cerebral Oximeter until October 2019. The INVOS Cerebral Oximeter noninvasively and continuously monitors changes in regional brain blood oxygen saturation to assist medical professionals to identify regional brain blood oxygen imbalances and guide interventions. Such interventions can prevent or reduce neurological injuries related to adverse events during surgery and reduce the associated cost of care. "This patent expands coverage of the INVOS Cerebral Oximeter to an important Asia Pacific market," said Bruce Barrett, Somanetics' president and chief executive officer. "The Australian patent, like its U.S. counterpart, covers important aspects of the INVOS Cerebral Oximeter until October 2019." About Somanetics Somanetics develops and markets two medical devices focused on the cardiac surgery market that offer solutions to help meet critical medical needs. The INVOS Cerebral Oximeter is the only noninvasive and continuous monitor of changes in regional brain blood oxygen saturation that is commercially available in the U.S. Use of the INVOS Cerebral Oximeter helps medical professionals, such as surgeons and anesthesiologists, identify regional brain blood oxygen imbalances and take corrective action. Such action can prevent or reduce neurological injuries related to adverse events during surgery or in the critical care unit and reduce the associated cost of care. The CorRestore(R) System is a cardiac implant for use in cardiac repair and reconstruction, including a procedure called Surgical Ventricular Restoration, SVR, a treatment for patients with certain types of severe congestive heart failure. Somanetics' web site is www.somanetics.com.