Gore Adds Collagen-Coated Polyester Products to Vascular Portfolio

FLAGSTAFF, AZ (May 10, 2004) - W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (Gore), the leading manufacturer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) peripheral vascular grafts announced today the addition of collagen-coated polyester vascular prostheses and vascular patches to its medical products offering.

The GORE Polyester Product family includes collagen-coated knitted and woven polyester graft configurations for aortic procedures as well as cardiovascular patches designed for peripheral vascular repairs.

'The addition of this product line is consistent with the company's objective to offer the largest selection of surgical and interventional device options for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease,' said Thom O'Hara, Gore Medical Marketing Director.

The GORE ePTFE Vascular Graft was introduced 29 years ago. Since then, more than 10 million GORE Medical Devices have been implanted worldwide. 'Beginning in 1975, Gore Medical has played a major role in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease,' said O'Hara.

In the last two years, the company expanded the vascular product portfolio to include endovascular products. In addition to providing products made from ePTFE and polyester, Gore has leveraged its expertise in fluoropolymers, Nitinol, resorbable membranes and antimicrobial technologies to deliver hundreds of configurations of implantable devices to the medical arena.

'We believe the polyester product line is consistent with the high quality devices that have built Gore's reputation in the market,' said O'Hara. 'Clinicians will be pleased with both the operative and post-operative performance of these products.'

ABOUT W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Gore is a leading manufacturer of thousands of advanced technology products for the electronics, industrial, fabrics and medical markets. The Gore Medical Products Division provides creative healing solutions to complex medical problems. Gore Medical provides such products as synthetic vascular grafts, interventional devices, surgical meshes for hernia repair, and sutures for use in vascular, cardiac, general surgery and orthopedic procedures. With more than 10 million implants, these devices have been saving and improving the quality of lives worldwide for nearly 30 years. To learn more, visit www.goremedical.com.

GORE is a trademark of W. L. Gore & Associates. Contact Information: Medical Customer Service