Exhibit 99
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NEWS RELEASE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marquette, Physio-Control Forge Alliance
Agreement will enhance treatment of emergency cardiac events
Milwaukee, Wis. and Redmond, Wash. February 25, 1997 -- Medical device
industry leaders Marquette Medical Systems and Physio-Control Corporation
today announced a strategic alliance to create technological compatibility
between their cardiology products and to develop a joint distribution
strategy.
The alliance will allow emergency medical teams equipped with a
Physio-Control portable heart monitor/defibrillator with 12-lead
capability to capture an electrocardiogram (ECG) from a suspected heart
attack victim and immediately transmit the waveforms to the Marquette MUSE
CV/TM/ cardiovascular information system installed at the hospital
before the patient is even placed in an ambulance. Emergency department
physicians will be able to save valuable minutes by reviewing waveforms at
the hospital and then ordering the start of treatment before the patient's
arrival.
"This partnership will integrate cardiac response and transmission of
cardiovascular information - and help save lives," Physio-Control Chairman
and CEO Richard Martin said.
The two companies will exchange proprietary technologies such as the
Marquette 12SL/TM/ ECG Analysis program for use in Physio defibrillators,
and the Physio biphasic defibrillation technology for use in Marquette
modular patient monitors. Also, Marquette and Physio will investigate
joint development of other products using shared knowledge and techniques.
Marquette and Physio will work together to expand distribution of
both companies' products in North America as a means to better meet
customer needs, enhance product competitiveness and reduce operating
expenses. In addition to their own products, they will represent each
other in appropriate market segments. Marquette's exclusive defibrillator
offering in the North America hospital market will be the Physio line of
products. Also, Physio will represent Marquette products in certain
sectors of the North America hospital and out-of-hospital markets.
As a result, customers of both companies will have easy access to a
more complete line of products and services for response to cardiac
emergencies.
"This agreement demonstrates our joint commitment to improve chest
pain management and increase survival rates for heart attack," said
Marquette President Tim Mickelson. "Our two companies will work closely
together to provide a 'seamless connectivity' for the patient's data at
each point of care. We will do whatever it takes to make sure the
patient's ECG is in the doctor's hands as quickly as possible."
Physio-Control International Corporation (Nasdaq: PHYS) introduced
portable defibrillation technology nearly 30 years ago. Based near
Seattle, Wash., the company manufactures, sells and services a broad range
of defibrillator/monitor/pacemakers and other medical instruments.
Milwaukee, Wis.-based Marquette Medical Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: MARQA)
manufactures medical electronics equipment, software and systems for
diagnostic cardiology, patient monitoring and integration of clinical
information. Established in 1965, Marquette developed the first central
ECG storage system.
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For additional information, contact -
FINANCIAL: EDITORIAL:
Mary Kabacinski Todd Sims
Marquette Medical Systems Marquette Medical Systems
414/355-5000 ext. 2560 414/355-5000 ext. 3311
Marc Droppert Sandy Higgins
Physio-Control Corporation Physio-Control Corporation
206/867-4204 206/867-4574