PLAINSBORO, N.J., Oct. 19, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp (Nasdaq:IART) will feature the new Integra™ Flow Regulating Valve, Mini, a smaller version of the Integra NPH™ Low Flow Valve, at the 2010 Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California, October 16-21, 2010. The Integra™ Flow Regulating Valve, Mini is Integra's newest implantable shunt valve used in the management of hydrocephalus and was designed with a lower profile than the Integra NPH™ valve to accommodate various patient populations, particularly patients with thin, fragile skin.
The Integra™ Flow Regulating Valve, Mini operates via variable flow resistance, to ensure that the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is maintained at a physiological rate, thus minimizing the potential risks of both postural and vasogenic overdrainage.
In normal operation, the Integra™ Flow Regulating Valve, Mini provides a flow rate of between 8 and 17 ml/hr. During periods of low intracranial pressure (ICP), the valve closes to interrupt CSF flow, as would a standard differential pressure valve. In the event of a sudden abnormal increase in ICP, the valve fully opens (safety mode), rapidly returning ICP to normal levels.
"Integra is committed to providing neurosurgeons with a range of hydrocephalous management options that help best accommodate the patient's condition," said Chris Thatcher, President, Integra Neurosurgery.
Each year there are approximately 50,000 shunt cases for the treatment of hydrocephalus. According to industry sources, the total U.S. market for hydrocephalus management is estimated at over $100 million.
Integra currently offers an extensive range of hydrocephalus management products and accessories, including the Integra NPH™ Low Flow, OSV II®, Integra DP™, Equi-Flow™, Novus™, LPV II™, Pudenz and H-V Lumbar valves, as well as ventricular, lumbar, peritoneal and atrial catheters.
Integra LifeSciences, a world leader in medical devices, is dedicated to limiting uncertainty for surgeons, so they can concentrate on providing the best patient care. Integra offers innovative solutions in orthopedics, neurosurgery, spine, reconstructive and general surgery. For more information, please visit www.integralife.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 products and services provided by Integra. 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 surgical professionals to use the products may affect the prospects for its use in surgical procedures. In addition, the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors, identified under the heading "Risk Factors" included in Item IA of Integra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and information contained in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect actual results.