Tenderfoot(R) Incision Device, the First Incision Device Designed for Pediatric Blood Draws, Celebrates 20 Years of Proven Clinical Use

Tenderfoot®, the first incision device developed for heel-stick blood draws from infants and children, is celebrating two decades of proven clinical use. Tenderfoot was designed by International Technidyne Corporation (ITC), a subsidiary of Thoratec Corporation (NASDAQ:THOR). The device is a major technology advance that standardizes the process of obtaining blood from infant and pediatric patients making it safer, less traumatic and less painful than those done with traditional lancet devices. Introduced in 1988, the patented Tenderfoot device, unlike traditional lancets that punctured nerve fibers causing bruising and creating a jagged incision, makes a gentle, sweeping arc incision above the level of sensitive nerve fibers using a surgical blade that results in a high-quality blood sample with significantly less pain and trauma. Once the blade is triggered, it permanently retracts into the device to eliminate accidental sticks. "We're proud that Tenderfoot pioneered improved delivery of healthcare services for infants and toddlers setting today’s global standards,” said ITC president, Lawrence Cohen. "Today we’re celebrating 20 years of proven clinical use and, despite the competition that comes with success, our continued position as market leader.” Tenderfoot offers a complete line of four incision devices to cover all pediatric blood draw needs. It is available in four incision depths and corresponding lengths from micro-preemie through toddler (0.65mm, 0.85 mm, 1.00 mm and 2.00 mm). About ITC ITC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thoratec and is a world leader in the fields of hemostasis management and point-of-care testing with over 35 years of knowledge and experience. ITC develops, manufactures and markets products in six distinct categories: HEMOCHRON® point-of-care coagulation instruments and reagents; IRMA TRUpoint® Blood Analysis System for blood gas and electrolyte testing; AVOXimeter® co-oximetry devices and cuvettes; skin incision products including Tenderfoot®, Tenderlett® and Surgicutt®; Hgb Pro Professional Hemoglobin Testing System®; and the ProTime® Microcoagulation System for prothrombin time testing at home and for professional use.