MURRAY HILL, N.J., Aug 12, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE:BCR) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc., received Food and Drug Administration clearance to market the Recovery(R) vena cava filter as a removable device. The Recovery filter previously received clearance as a permanent filter in November 2002.

Patients with various types of disease, especially forms of cancer or those undergoing surgery, including orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures risk developing venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In the U.S., an estimated 600,000 hospitalizations and as many as 150,000 deaths each year result from pulmonary emboli.

Vena cava filters are designed to prevent emboli from traveling to the lungs and are placed primarily in patients who have failed, or are contraindicated for, anticoagulation therapy. For the vast majority of people, the duration of risk of pulmonary embolism is finite but unknown at the time the filter is placed.

Removable filters are currently available only outside the United States but must be removed within two weeks of placement. Bard's Recovery filter does not have an indicated time limit for removal, but rather gives clinicians the flexibility to assess patient's risk and determine the appropriate time of removal.

"We are very excited to have the first vena cava filter on the market in the United States with a removal option," commented Timothy M. Ring, chairman and chief executive officer. "We believe that the addition of the removal indication to the Recovery filter provides us an opportunity to gain market share and expand the market. This is yet another example of Bard's ability to enhance our core product portfolio and market position with innovative new technology."

C. R. Bard, Inc., (www.crbard.com) headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., is a leading multinational developer, manufacturer, and marketer of innovative, life-enhancing medical technologies in the fields of vascular, urology, oncology, and surgical specialty products.

SOURCE: C. R. Bard, Inc.

C. R. Bard Inc., Murray Hill
Investor Relations:
Eric J. Shick, 908-277-8413
or
Media Relations:
Holly P. Glass, 703-754-2848

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