Leading Global Medical Device Manufacturer Utilizes Bayer MaterialScience Polycarbonate in Its Next-Generation Automated External Defibrillator

Anaheim, CA, February 15, 2013 --(PR.com)-- When seconds matter and can mean the difference between life and death, a safe, reliable and effective automated external defibrillator (AED) device is a must. AED manufacturers desire the same characteristics when choosing materials for their products. For this reason, Cardiac Science Corporation, a global leader in external defibrillation, diagnostic devices and monitoring systems, has chosen a polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) blend resin from Bayer MaterialScience LLC for its next-generation Powerheart® G5 AED design.

With the goal of updating the device’s technology and design, Wisconsin-based Cardiac Science Corporation chose Bayer’s Bayblend® FR3010 PC/ABS blend resin for the device, replacing a polycarbonate blend from another resin supplier. The decision to use Bayblend PC/ABS blend resin was based on the material’s superior impact performance, overall strength and UL flame rating. Bayer worked with Cardiac Science to help select the specific material. Dickten Masch Plastics, LLC, injection molds the Bayer polycarbonate blend to form the Powerheart G5 device’s battery case and housing, which contains all the electronics and acts as a protective cover for the internal components.

“Many of our emergency service and military customers use AEDs in rugged conditions that require our Powerheart AEDs to be durable without sacrificing life-saving features,” said Mike Fry, General Manager of Resuscitation, Cardiac Science. “We identified Bayer as a value-chain partner that could provide an AED outer shell that passed every drop and durability test while meeting our quality protocols and product development timelines.”

The Cardiac Science corporate color palette was color-matched using pre-colored plastics created via Bayer’s LEDA® compounded color technology. The company’s unique and distinct orange and gray corporate color hues were matched at Bayer’s Newark, Ohio Color Competence and Design center.

“Bayer serves as a true collaborator with Cardiac Science to ensure all their needs are met with superior results. From providing support on material selection through color matching and product sampling and ultimately product launch, it remains our goal to provide solutions to the OEM throughout Bayer’s involvement in the product development and design process,” said Bruce Fine, market segment leader, Medical and Consumer Products — Polycarbonates, Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

Attendees of MD&M West 2013 are invited to stop by Bayer’s booth #2021 to speak to Bayer experts about this and other applications and technologies during the show.

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,800 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2011 sales of 10.8 billion euros. Bayer MaterialScience’s 2011 sales in North America were $2.9 billion. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

About Cardiac Science:
Cardiac Science, group company of Opto Circuits (India) Ltd., develops, manufactures, and markets a family of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic cardiology devices and systems, including automated external defibrillators (AED), electrocardiograph devices (ECG/EKG), cardiac stress treadmill and systems, PC-based diagnostic workstations, Holter monitoring systems, hospital defibrillators, vital signs monitors, cardiac rehabilitation telemetry systems, and cardiology data management systems (informatics) that connect with hospital information (HIS), electronic medical record (EMR), and other information systems. The company sells a variety of related products and consumables and provides a portfolio of training, maintenance, and support services. Cardiac Science, the successor to the cardiac businesses that established the trusted Burdick®, HeartCentrix®, Powerheart®, and Quinton® brands, is headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin. With customers in almost 100 countries worldwide, the company has operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. For information, call 1.800.426.0337 or visit http://www.cardiacscience.com. The Powerheart® G5 AED not currently available in the United States and Canada but, available in many countries through Europe, Asia and South Pacific.

Contact:
John Skabardonis, Phone: 412-777-5200
Email: john.skabardonis@bayer.com

For more information about Bayer MaterialScience LLC's polycarbonates for medical applications, call 1-800-662-2927, email medicalinfo@bayer.com or pcinfo@bayer.com or visit www.bmsnafta.com.

For more information about Bayer’s color technologies, visit http://www.bayerfantasia.com/colors/leda/index.html.

For more information about Cardiac Science Corporation, call 1-800-426-0337, or visit http://www.cardiacscience.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.