NATICK, Mass., Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) announces the first implants of a TELIGEN® implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in China.  The implants were performed by Farong Shen, M.D., in Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou and Wei Hua, M.D., in Fuwai Hospital, Beijing.  The TELIGEN family of ICDs, designed to treat sudden cardiac death, are the smallest and thinnest high-energy devices available in China.  The devices offer extended battery longevity over previous Boston Scientific ICDs currently approved in China, as well as improved programming technology to offer patients enhanced clinical options.  The TELIGEN family of devices was approved by the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of the People's Republic of China in November 2011.  

Shu Zhang, M.D., Chairman of the Chinese Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology, stated, "These new ICDs feature significant advances and will be a welcome technology for Chinese patients requiring implantable defibrillators."  Wei Hua, M.D., added, "The TELIGEN devices provide patients the thinnest ICDs with the longest projected longevity available, without compromising therapy options."  Farong Shen, M.D., also added, "In the past, I often had to sacrifice longevity, device size, or features when selecting an ICD for my patients.  The TELIGEN device delivers a complete solution."

"Boston Scientific is committed to providing innovative products and therapies to Chinese physicians and their patients," said Joe Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President and President of the Cardiac Rhythm Management group at Boston Scientific.  "We believe today's first implant of our advanced ICDs combined with our recent launch of the PROMUS Element™ Plus Coronary Stent System in China positions Boston Scientific for future growth in this important market."

With the world's largest population, China represents one of the world's fastest-growing ICD markets.  The Company estimates annual market growth exceeding 15 percent over the next five years.

In July 2011, Boston Scientific announced a five-year, $150 million investment in China to expand its commercial presence.  This new investment will support the establishment of a local, wholly owned manufacturing facility focused on serving Chinese market needs and developing a world-class training center for Chinese healthcare providers. 

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 ICD market growth and our business plans in China, new product launches and launch cadence, product performance and competitive offerings.  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, political, competitive, reimbursement, legal 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.

SOURCE Boston Scientific Corporation