Contact: Alyssa Zeff
BD Public Relations
(201) 847-4358
Email: alyssa_zeff@bd.com

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 -- 

New instruments combine convenience of a plastic handle with precision of steel tip

Waltham, MA (November 10, 2007) - BD Medical, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a global medical technology company that pioneered safety-engineered devices, today unveiled a new generation of BD Visitecâ?¢ Disposable Instruments, a line of single-use instruments designed to meet the growing needs of ophthalmic surgery.This new line of instruments combines the convenience of a plastic handle with the precision of a steel tip.

Building on a 110-year tradition of innovation, safety and quality, BD continues its deep commitment to the safety of healthcare workers who use its devices and to the patients who rely on them.

â??BD has been at the forefront in the development of disposable medical devices and sharps injury prevention for healthcare workers who are the front line of defense against the threat of cross- contamination and bloodborne diseases,â?? said Doug Lawrence, Vice President and General Manager, BD Medical - Ophthalmic Systems. â??BD continues to develop advanced technology safety solutions and disposable devices to meet the challenge of emerging infections and transmissible diseases in ophthalmic surgery.â??

It has been reported that some cases of toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) have been associated with the cleaning and sterilization of reused ophthalmic surgical instruments. Even when using proper sterilization techniques for resterilization, it is possible for residue such as endotoxin to remain on the instruments; endotoxin has been implicated in the development of sterile inflammation of the anterior segment.

â??There is no doubt that prevention is key in minimizing or even eliminating the risk of a TASS infection,â?? says Randall Olson, MD, Chairman of the John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah. â??Ophthalmic surgeons may want to use disposable instruments in order to avoid toxicity.â??

The next generation of BD Visitec Disposable Instruments builds on the brand's 29-year history of developing ready-to-use disposable ophthalmic cannulas and needles. The instruments, including Bonn Forceps, Capsulorhexis Forceps, Eye Speculum, Sinskey Hook and a Micro-manipulator, are available as individual products or as a set.

About BD

BD, a leading global medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents, is dedicated to improving peopleâ??s health throughout the world.

BD is focused on improving drug therapy, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases, and advancing research and discovery of new drugs and vaccines. The Companyâ??s capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the worldâ??s most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 28,000 people in approximately 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

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