Occlutech Obtains Japanese MHW Approval for its ASD Occlusion Device

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland, January 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Occlutech, a leading innovator of implants to treat structural heart disease today announced that it has obtained Japanese MHW approval for its dedicated Atrial Septal Defect Closure Device. The device is a specifically designed implant indicated for the minimally invasive closure of Atrial Septal Defects, ASD.

Tor Peters, CEO of Occlutech Group, commented: "We are extremely pleased to be able to provide patients and cardiologists in Japan with this innovative product and expect our ASD occluder to significantly add and improve therapy options for this patient population. Our partnership with Japan Lifeline has been very productive and we are proud to be associated with this company and its dedicated employees. A special thanks goes to the opinion leading physicians in Japan who have encouraged and supported this process."

Keisuke Suzuki, President and CEO of Japan Lifeline, also made the following statement: "In 2005 we pioneered the introduction of the first ASD occuluder in Japan, and we have been contributing to the spread of ASD Occuluders as patient-friendly and minimally invasive medical devices. Although we suspended sales of ASD occuluders in 2011 due to Distribution Agreement expiration, we are reentering the structural heart disease treatment market by introducing Occlutech's excellent products.

Occlutech's ASD occluder consists of a flexible nitinol wire mesh with "shape-memory" properties. Occlutech's proprietary technology allows for the creation of products with unique properties regarding flexibility and adaptability. The implant will be available in different configurations and sizes to accommodate a broad range of defects. The Occlutech ASD implant allows fast, atraumatic, minimally invasive closure of these defects. ASD closure using implantable devices is an alternative to open heart surgery.

About Occlutech 

Occlutech is developing and marketing innovative products for the treatment of structural heart disease. The Company sells and markets ASD, PFO, PLD, VSD and PDA occluders, as well as a range of specialized occlusion devices and accessories in over 80 countries around the world. Occlutech has several innovative products under development, e.g. in LAA occlusion, and operates facilities in Germany, Turkey and Sweden. For additional information please visit Occlutech´s website at http://www.occlutech.com.

About Japan Lifeline Co., Ltd. 

Japan Lifeline has a 35-year history as a leading manufacturer, importer and distributor of quality medical products for the cardiovascular field. Japan Lifeline has a strong track record of success in introducing unique products from some of the world's leading medical technology companies through its 34 branch offices across Japan, and it has also built and expanded new markets with those state of art products from overseas. Japan Lifeline is a publicly traded company, ticker symbol 7575 (JASDAQ). For additional information please visit Japan Lifeline's website at: http://www.japanlifeline.com.