Boston Scientific Launches Vercise™ Deep Brain Stimulation System in Europe

NATICK, Massachusetts, Sept. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) received CE Mark approval for use of its Vercise™ Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) System for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.  The Vercise DBS System is the first and only commercially available DBS system to incorporate multiple independent current control, which is designed to selectively stimulate targeted areas in the brain.  This system is an innovative technology that is designed to provide physicians fine control of stimulation.

"The launch of the Vercise™ DBS System represents a key expansion for Boston Scientific," said Maulik Nanavaty, senior vice president and president of Boston Scientific's Neuromodulation Division.  "Vercise DBS is the only system on the market able to finely control stimulation with multiple independent current control.  This unique technology underscores our commitment to improving patients' lives."

The first commercial implant of the Vercise™ DBS System was performed by a team at the University Clinic Wurzburg in Germany that included Prof. Dr. Cordula Matthies, Head of Functional Neurosurgery and Prof. Dr. Jens Volkmann, Director of the Department of Neurology. 

"We welcome the Vercise DBS System," said Prof. Dr. Volkmann.  "We believe it represents advancement in DBS technology through flexible and unique programming options.  We believe the system gives neurologists the ability to precisely target stimulation based on patient needs."

The Vercise System is designed to provide comfort, control, and convenience to the clinician's practice and to patients with Parkinson's disease.  It is intended to minimize side effects of stimulation by controlling current at each individual contact on the lead.  In addition, the system is designed to offer unique patient benefits including the longest battery life available for DBS therapy and the smallest stimulator footprint.

"The unique technology offered by the Vercise DBS System provides us with new stimulation options we have never had before," said Prof. Dr. Matthies.  "I look forward to seeing a positive impact in patients' quality of life."

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder which affects 6.3 million people worldwide according to European Parkinson's Disease Association.  Deep Brain Stimulators are neurostimulator devices that stimulate specific areas of the brain using electrical signals to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Patient Testimonials

To view a patient testimonial about the Vercise DBS System, please CLICK HERE.

"I am really satisfied with the outcome of the DBS surgery and finally back to a normal life. When the Wurzburg team proposed the Vercise™ DBS system with new capabilities, I thought this was the best solution for me. The recharging system is so convenient, simple and easy to use. I am glad that this new system is expected to minimize the need to undergo regular replacement surgeries and related complications," said Rudolph Roland, a patient with Parkinson's disease from Wurzburg, Germany.

About Boston Scientific Neuromodulation

Boston Scientific Neuromodulation is an innovation leader in implantable pain management technology.   

About Boston Scientific

Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer, and marketer of medical devices that are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties.  For more information, please visit: www.bostonscientific.com.  

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "anticipate," "expect," "project," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "intend" and similar words.  These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and estimates using information available to us at the time and are not intended to be guarantees of future events or performance.  These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding our business plans, markets for our products, product performance and impact.  If our underlying assumptions turn out to be incorrect, or if certain risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements.  These factors, in some cases, have affected and in the future (together with other factors) could affect our ability to implement our business strategy and may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements expressed in this press release.  As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements. 

Factors that may cause such differences include, among other things: future economic, competitive, reimbursement and regulatory conditions; new product introductions; demographic trends; intellectual property; litigation; financial market conditions; and future business decisions made by us and our competitors.  All of these factors are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of them are beyond our control.  For a further list and description of these and other important risks and uncertainties that may affect our future operations, see Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we may update in Part II, Item 1A – Risk Factors in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q we have filed or will file hereafter.  We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which those expectations may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.  This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this document.

CONTACT:

Simonetta Balbi
PR and Corporate Communication EMEA
Boston Scientific
+ 39-3387936422 (mobile)
+ 39-0106060281 (direct)
Balbis@bsci.com

Steven Campanini
+1-508-652-5740 (office)
Media Relations
Boston Scientific Corporation
steven.campanini@bsci.com

Michael Campbell
+1-508-650-8023 (office)
Investor Relations
Boston Scientific Corporation
investor_relations@bsci.com