Directorate Change

Aortech International PLC
5 March 2002

                           AorTech International plc

                               Chairman retires


AorTech International plc ('AorTech or 'Company'), the Scottish-based developer
and manufacturer of cardiovascular devices, announces the retirement and
resignation of Gordon Wright, the Company's Chairman due to personal
circumstances.



Eddie McDaid, the Company's Chief Executive has been appointed Executive
Chairman and will relinquish his position as Chief Executive upon the
appointment of a successor.  The Company has already commenced the process for
recruiting a new Chief Executive.



In the interim Mr McDaid will carry out the dual function of Chief Executive and
Executive Chairman.



Gordon Wright, Chairman stated:



'Unfortunately I have been suffering from poor health for some period of time
and as a result I feel I am unable to continue to make the necessary commitment
to carry out my duties as Executive Chairman.  I am proud to have been Chairman
of the Company during its period of rapid growth over the past few years and I
am confident that with its outstanding technology base and products AorTech will
continue to grow over the next few years.



'I would like to take this opportunity to thank our advisers, particularly Bell
Lawrie White, for their advice over the years and also our Shareholders for
their continued support since flotation in 1997.'



Eddie McDaid, Chief Executive commented:



'I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Board, to wish Gordon a
long and happy retirement and hopefully a return to full health in the near
future.  I would like, in particular, to thank Gordon for his significant
contribution, as co-founder of the AorTech Group, in taking the Company from
start-up approximately nine years ago to its present position.'

                                                                    5 March 2002


ENQUIRIES:

AorTech International plc                                Tel: [phone]
Eddie McDaid, Chief Executive

College Hill                                             Tel: [phone]
Michael Padley
Nicholas Nelson





                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
    

BOAVELBBLXBFBBB