Integra Announces the Release of CUSA SaberTip Bone-Cutting Tips
PLAINSBORO, N.J., April 24, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq:IART) proudly welcomes the CUSA(R) brand to our ultrasonic aspirator product family. By acquiring Radionics and adding its powerful, industry-leading CUSA EXcel(TM) to our versatile, multi-frequency Selector(R) Ultrasonic Aspirator System, Integra opens the door to more options, choices and accessories than ever.
The CUSA EXcel(TM) system provides surgeons with significant flexibility, offering a wide and expanding variety of handpiece and tip options that can be tailored to clinical requirements. Today at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) annual meeting in San Francisco, Integra is announcing the release of the MicroTip(TM) Plus and CUSA SaberTip(TM) for the CUSA EXcel(TM) ultrasonic aspirator system.
"We have been fortunate to collaborate with Dr. Amin Kassam, Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, in the clinical design of the MicroTip(TM) Plus and CUSA SaberTip(TM)," said Deborah Leonetti, Integra's Senior Vice President of Marketing.
"The MicroTip(TM) Plus was designed with length, access, and ergonomics in mind. When performing Expanded Endonasal Approaches (EEA) or minimally invasive transnasal access to the skull base and brain, these considerations are paramount. The length of the tip allows for the use of an ultrasonic aspirator in these hard to reach areas and has proven to be invaluable," said Dr. Kassam. "The CUSA SaberTip(TM) allows for bone sculpting and augments the use of the drill. We have been extremely happy with the early results of the initial clinical cases on which we have used the MicroTip(TM) Plus and CUSA SaberTip(TM)."
The MicroTip(TM) Plus is designed to access deep-seated tumors that current ultrasonic tips are unable to reach. The curved design, small diameter and extended length provide the benefit of visualization of the tip in microscopic or endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures. The ultrasonic technology allows for the precise and selective removal of tissue with the CUSA EXcel(TM). The MicroTip(TM) Plus is used with the powerful 36 kHz handpiece to provide excellent tactile feedback.
The new CUSA SaberTip(TM) will assist in advancing surgical applications where precise and controlled removal of bone is critical. The CUSA SaberTip(TM) uses an abrasive surface of 180 degrees on the ultrasonic tip to allow the neurosurgeon to precisely remove bone near critical structures. With the use of the small and powerful 36 kHz handpiece the tactile feedback is enhanced for the surgeon. Unique features such as pre-aspiration holes to reduce misting and a central aspiration path to assist in clearing debris from the operative field provide a superior bone sculpting device. The estimated market size for skull base procedures is 43,000 procedures per year. Both the CUSA SaberTip(TM) and the MicroTip(TM) Plus are applicable to these procedures.
The CUSA EXcel(TM) and Selector(TM) ultrasonic aspirators are sold by the Integra NeuroSciences(TM) sales organization. Integra NeuroSciences is a leading provider of implants, devices, instruments, and systems used in neurosurgery, neuromonitoring, neuro-trauma, and related critical care. Integra NeuroSciences' direct selling effort in the United States and Europe currently involves more than 130 professionals. In all other markets, Integra NeuroSciences products are sold through a network of distributors.
Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation is a diversified medical technology company that develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in a variety of applications. The primary applications for our products are neurosurgery, reconstructive surgery and general surgery. Integra is a leader in applying the principles of biotechnology to medical devices that improve patients' quality of life. Our corporate headquarters are in Plainsboro, New Jersey, and we have research, manufacturing and distribution facilities located throughout the world. We have approximately 1,400 employees. Please visit our website at http://www.Integra-LS.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the use of the MicroTip(TM) Plus and CUSA SaberTip(TM). Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from predicted or expected results. Among other things, the willingness of physicians to use the MicroTip(TM) Plus and CUSA SaberTip(TM) may affect the prospects for their use in clinical procedures. In addition, the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified under the heading "Factors That May Affect Our Future Performance" included in the Business section of Integra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and information contained in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect actual results.