PLAINSBORO, N.J., April 18, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq:IART) today announced that it will market and sell the AccuDrain(TM) External CSF Drainage System. This new external ventricular and lumbar drainage (EDS) system is used to drain cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from patients who suffer from increased cranial pressure due to trauma or surgery.
The AccuDrain System introduces several unique design features to the market, including an antimicrobial and hydrophobic filter. The system can be laid down with the antimicrobial filter in contact with CSF fluids for up to 30 minutes, an improvement over existing systems. The AccuDrain System can also be safely used in proximity to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. As a result, patients using the system can be moved to radiology for MRI imaging without detaching the system.
"The new AccuDrain System was designed with input from doctors and nurses throughout the country," said Linda Littlejohns, RN, MSN, CCRN, CNRN, Vice President of Clinical Development of Integra NeuroSciences. "It therefore includes several new features that provide advantages to the clinicians who will use it and, most importantly, to patients. Our introduction of this system provides an example of Integra's ability to respond to the needs of physicians."
The AccuDrain System is a panel system, which does not require the use of an independent mounting system, and is therefore easier for clinicians to use in situations where patients have to be moved within the hospital. Other unique design features include an exclusive dual action lever that allows the system to be easily and quickly attached to an IV pole, a unique squeeze-lok(TM) mechanism for simple and secure adjustment of the burette drip chamber, and needleless sampling sites, both at the patient line and burette, which promote ease of use and safety for the nurses who use the system. In addition, the AccuDrain System was designed with numbers on its pressure scale that are larger than those on all other drainage systems currently on the market and more prominent labeling of the CSF access points.
The AccuDrain System is sold through 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 100 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 neuro-trauma and 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 manufacturing and research facilities located throughout the world. We have approximately 1,200 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 our AccuDrain System. 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 AccuDrain System may affect the prospects for its 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, 2004 and information contained in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect actual results.