PLC Systems Receives Notices of Allowance on RenalGuard® Patents

Company expects U.S. patents to be issued within several months

FRANKLIN, Mass., April 16 -- PLC Systems Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: PLCSF), a company focused on innovative cardiac and vascular medical device-based technologies, today reported that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office had issued Notices of Allowance for two of PLC's patent applications associated with its RenalGuard® technology.

The RenalGuard Therapy® is designed to reduce the toxic effects that contrast media can have on the kidneys for patients undergoing imaging procedures. This novel therapy is based on the theory that creating and maintaining a high urine output allows the body to rapidly eliminate the contrast media, reducing its toxic effects.

Mark R. Tauscher, president and chief executive officer of PLC Systems Inc., stated, "We are truly delighted with the positive response from the U.S. Patent Office about our proprietary RenalGuard technology, which is designed to prevent Contrast Induced Nephropathy (CIN). This is a critical milestone for our company and for RenalGuard. We will to continue to build our patent position to enhance the value of our RenalGuard technology and method of CIN prevention. Combined with the positive results we are seeing from investigator-sponsored clinical trials of RenalGuard in Italy, this achievement provides us with heightened confidence in our future. We look forward to continuing our discussions with potential strategic and financial partners, armed with this important validation."

The company will continue to work with the U.S. Patent Office as well as patent organizations in other countries to advance more patent applications concerning RenalGuard, including those covering the RenalGuard product and fluid balancing techniques and systems that remain pending.

A Notice of Allowance signifies the Patent Office's determination that the applicant is entitled to a patent under the law. The Company expects the new patents to be issued later this year.
About PLC Systems Inc.

PLC Systems Inc. is a medical technology company specializing in innovative technologies for the cardiac and vascular markets. Headquartered in Franklin, Massachusetts, PLC pioneered the CO2 Heart Laser System, which cardiac surgeons use to perform CO2 transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) to alleviate symptoms of severe angina. PLC's newest product, RenalGuard, is approved for sale in the EU as a general fluid balancing device. Additional company information can be found at www.plcmed.com [1].