FOXH Foxhollow Technologies (MM)

Study Published in Peer-Reviewed Journal of Endovascular Therapy REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a multi-center evaluation of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI), Dr. David Kandzari of Duke Medical Research Institute and colleagues report that 82% of patients who received plaque excision avoided an amputation or received a less extensive amputation than originally planned. The patient population was comprised of those who suffer from the most severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Six months after the plaque excision procedure, 96% of the lesions remained free from re-treatment in patients without amputation. Results of the study were published in the February 2006 issue of the peer-reviewed publication The Journal of Endovascular Therapy. Patients enrolled in the study were treated with the SilverHawk Plaque Excision System, a device used to remove plaque caused by PAD and restore blood flow to the legs, feet and toes. When PAD progresses to a more severe state in the lower extremities, it is called critical limb ischemia. CLI is an obstruction of the arteries that decreases blood flow to the legs and feet, causing severe pain, non-healing sores, and tissue loss. An estimated 1.5 to 2 million Americans suffer from CLI. As a result, at least 150,000 amputations are still performed each year in the U.S. An estimated 25% of those who receive an amputation will die within 1 year. Another 25% will receive a second amputation within the year. The CLI patients treated with plaque excision were prospectively followed for six months at seven U.S. institutions. A retrospective review of this patient subset was completed. Overall, a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was identified: 78% of patients had diabetes; 57% had a history of coronary artery disease, and 47% had kidney impairment. Over 40% of the patients already had a previous leg artery procedure. "In general, the patients treated were among the sickest we see and faced a high likelihood of losing a leg. Amputation was already planned before these procedures for 48 of 76 limbs treated," said Dr. Kandzari. "The fact that 82% avoided amputation or were able to minimize the extent of the amputation is a remarkable result that validates the important role plaque excision plays in limb salvage." In the evaluation, plaque excision was performed in 69 patients (76 limbs, 159 lesions) with procedural success achieved in 99% of cases. In the majority of the patients treated, the SilverHawk System was used as the only therapy. Stents were placed in just 6% of the cases. "We desperately need an answer for these patients, and we are very encouraged by the promise plaque excision shows in helping CLI patients avoid amputation," Dr. Kandzari added. As part of a continuing commitment to prevent amputations and return patients to mobility, FoxHollow has undertaken a national initiative to educate physicians on treating CLI. In the last nine months, the company has hosted three national medical meetings called, "Below the Knee: New Advances in Critical Limb Ischemia." To date, over 550 cardiologists, vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists from across the country have chosen to attend. Through live cases and presentations delivered by a multi-disciplinary faculty of 18 physicians, the courses focus on helping physicians develop the technical expertise required for successful limb salvage. About FoxHollow Technologies, Inc. FoxHollow Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:FOXH) develops and markets minimally invasive plaque excision devices for the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD). An estimated 12 million people in the U.S. are thought to suffer from PAD with 2.5 million patients currently diagnosed. PAD results from plaque that accumulates in the arteries and blocks blood flow in the legs. These blockages can result in severe pain for patients and very limited physical mobility. The SilverHawk System is a minimally invasive method of removing the obstructive plaque and restoring blood flow to the legs and feet. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.foxhollowtech.com/. Contacts: Matt Ferguson Chief Financial Officer 650-421-8501 Jonathan Menachem Investor Relations 650-421-8449 Robin Gaffney Media Relations 650-421-8614 FCMN Contact: rgaffney@foxhollowtech.com DATASOURCE: FoxHollow Technologies, Inc. CONTACT: Matt Ferguson, Chief Financial Officer, +1-650-421-8501, or Jonathan Menachem, Investor Relations, +1-650-421-8449, or , or Robin Gaffney, Media Relations, +1-650-421-8614, or , all of FoxHollow Technologies, Inc. Web site: http://www.foxhollowtech.com/

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