The Larry King Cardiac Foundation (LKCF) today announced it has received a donation of Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and heart valves for its treatment of patients who cannot afford to pay.
The LKCF will administer the product donations to medical centers in Atlanta, Cleveland, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. that participate in the LKCF affiliate care program. Medtronic will deliver the devices and provide technical support as appropriate.
Pacemakers are small implantable devices that are prescribed for people whose hearts beat too slowly or irregularly. Much like a pacemaker in size, ICDs administer electrical therapy to stop a dangerously fast heart rhythm that often leads to sudden cardiac death if not treated. Artificial heart valves - either mechanical or made of human or animal tissue - are implanted to replace a diseased or damaged natural heart valve.
"We applaud The Larry King Cardiac Foundation for its work in providing therapies to those of limited means, and we're proud to be involved in reaching the Foundation's goal of saving a heart each day," said Bill Hawkins, Medtronic president and chief operating officer. "Medtronic's mission - to alleviate pain, restore health and extend life - is a natural complement to The Larry King Cardiac Foundation's efforts."
"Medtronic's generous donation of its newest cardiac devices greatly enhances the Foundation's efforts to provide life-saving cardiac care for those who cannot afford it. These devices may not only help us save lives, but may enhance living and give those who felt they had no options - a second chance," said Larry King, founder of The Larry King Cardiac Foundation, and internationally renowned host of CNN's "Larry King Live."
The Larry King Cardiac Foundation (LKCF) was established in 1988 to provide funding for life-saving treatment for individuals who, due to limited means or inadequate insurance, would otherwise be unable to receive the treatment and care they so desperately need. The Foundation works in conjunction with hospitals throughout the nation to ensure that such patients receive proper medical attention.
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world. Last year, the company and its foundation made nearly $50 million in cash and medical device donations to improve the health of people and communities around the world.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 29, 2005. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
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