SCIMED <SMLS> BEING SUED FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT
SciMed Life Systems Inc said
<Advanced Cardiovascular Systems Inc> is suing it for patent
infringement.
    The company said the suit involves a patent for a vascular
guiding catheter assembly and a vascular dilating catheter
assembly.
    SciMed said the suit is without merit and it has turned the
matter over to its attorneys.
    It added that the lawsuit will not affect the negotiations
on the merger transaction with Bristol-Meyers Co <BMY>,
announced Monday.
 Reuter
