Masimo & Linde Medical Sensors Form Alliance to Provide Combined Arterial Blood Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Sensor & Monitor

BASEL, Switzerland. December 3, 2003. Linde Medical Sensors AG and Masimo today announced two long-term agreements to provide combined arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide sensors and monitors worldwide. A purchasing and licensing agreement will make Masimo SET® the sole SpO2 monitoring technology of TOSCA™, and an exclusive distribution agreement makes Masimo the sole distributor of TOSCA in the US. TOSCA provides continuous monitoring of transcutaneous PCO2, SpO2 and Pulse Rate through a single heated sensor. With Masimo SET technology, TOSCA delivers accurate SpO2 readings in conditions of motion, poor perfusion, and other low signal to noise conditions.

Steffen Klose, CEO of Linde Medical Sensors AG, said, "Masimo is the standard for SpO2 monitoring. Their pursuit of pulse oximetry perfection matches our pursuit of excellence in transcutaneous blood gas monitoring. The union in TOSCA offers clinicians an unparalleled, comprehensive picture of the patient's oxygenation and ventilation status. It is an honor for us to partner with Masimo."

Joe E. Kiani, CEO of Masimo, stated, "Many patients are at risk of high levels of carbon dioxide, even though their oxygen saturation seems normal and stable. There hasn't been a simple easy to use device that can monitor both blood oxygen and carbon dioxide, especially for non-intubated patients. TOSCA, the easy to use transcutaneous PCO2 and SpO2 monitor, should help clinicians provide the best care possible for such patients. We are proud to be able to work with the Linde Medical Sensors team to provide this solution to our customers."

About Linde Medical Sensors AG

Linde Medical Sensors AG was originally a department of F. Hoffman-La Roche named Bio-Electronics which was founded in 1969. Its activities were devoted to research, development, and manufacturing of medical devices. One of the first results was the invention of methodology of transcutaneous blood gas measurement. This allowed for the first time the routine monitoring of the most important blood gases - oxygen and carbon dioxide - in a very easy way and without taking blood samples. This invention was a significant breakthrough for which Roche Bio-Electronics received the basic general patent. Furthermore this method led the way to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities in various fields in medicine, especially in neonatology. The products were distributed through the sales organization of Kontron (a part of Hoffman-La Roche, at that time). In 1992, the group was integrated as the division "Medical Sensors" into Kontron Instruments. In March 1999, the division Medical Sensors was taken over by Linde AG, Germany, and the LINDE MEDICAL SENSORS AG was established. Additional information about Linde Medical Sensors and its products can be found at www.Linde-ms.ch

About Masimo Corporation

Masimo, founded in 1989, is the innovator and leader of motion and low perfusion tolerant pulse oximetry. Masimo develops, licenses and markets advanced medical signal processing technologies and products for the non-invasive monitoring of vital signs. Masimo Signal Extraction Technology represents a fundamental departure from conventional pulse oximetry technologies. Over 70 independent and objective, published studies have demonstrated that Masimo Signal Extraction Technology is the safest and most effective pulse oximeter in the world. To date, Masimo has licensed its Signal Extraction Pulse Oximetry technology to over 35 international patient monitoring system providers, which make up over 70% of the world's pulse oximeter shipments. Masimo is headquartered in Irvine, California. Additional information about Masimo and its products can be found at www.masimo.com.