CSRT.L Regulatory News (CSRT)

News Release

18 October 2010

Consort Medical plc

King Systems Brings New Digital Technology to Anaesthesia

Consort Medical is pleased to announce the launch by its King Systems Division of its King VisionTM Video Laryngoscope, the world's first cost-effective, portable video laryngoscope.

Last year over 40 million anaesthesia procedures were performed worldwide using a plastic endotracheal tube to help patients breathe during surgery. This procedure, typically performed by an anaesthetist to protect the airway, takes just a few moments but requires the use of a metal lever-like device called a laryngoscope to provide a clear pathway for the tube. The anaesthetist must manipulate the soft tissues to directly see the vocal cords, which is not always possible with all patients.

King Systems' innovative solution, the King Vision Video Laryngoscope, incorporates a camera in the tip of the disposable device and an attached reusable video display which allows the clinician a clear view of the vocal cords without manipulating and potentially damaging soft tissue, easing the process and simplifying the procedure.

The King Vision has been launched and orders are being taken. Shipments are expected to begin by the end of the financial year as the manufacturing supply chain ramps up its capacity. Further information will be provided at Consort Medical's interim results on 2 December 2010.

 "Direct laryngoscopy has been effective and inexpensive for over 75 years; however, the view is often compromised, the manoeuvre is physical, and the placement must be directly observed by the clinician. The King Vision is a new digital technology that will revolutionize the way intubations are performed around the world. We are extremely proud to be able to bring this potentially life saving device into the realm of every day routine intubations," said Don Dumoulin, CEO of King Systems.

King Systems, a Consort Medical company, is a global leader in medical device manufacturing providing high-quality, innovative products. King Systems delivers life saving solutions to enhance better patient care.

ENDS

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About King Systems

King Systems is the US market leader in the sale of circuits and masks to anaesthesiologists and has a growing presence in the airway management segment with the King Laryngeal Tube (KLT) range. Further details can be seen on www.kingsystems.com and www.owntheairway.com

About Consort Medical

Consort Medical plc is a leader in medical devices for inhaled drug delivery, self-injection and anaesthesia. The Group develops drug delivery systems for the pharmaceutical industry and disposable airway management products for critical care settings in hospitals.

Consort Medical develops and manufactures metered dose inhaler valves, actuators, compliance aids, dry powder devices autoinjectors, disposable facemasks, breathing circuits and laryngeal tubes. The Group has facilities in King's Lynn, Sheffield, Nelson and Hemel Hempstead in the UK, and Indianapolis, Indiana and Kent, Ohio in the US. Consort Medical is a public company quoted on the full list of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: CSRT).