PLAINSBORO, New Jersey, Oct. 19, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq:IART) today announced that it was awarded the CE Mark required for commercial distribution of the Integra Epilepsy(TM) line in the European Union. Integra LifeSciences, which currently sells these products in the United States through its Integra NeuroSciences sales force, will introduce these products in Germany, France and the United Kingdom, where Integra employs a direct sales force, and in selected countries covered by Integra's large network of independent distributors.
Epilepsy affects millions of people every year. For some patients, surgery is the preferred therapeutic option. The surgical procedure used to treat epilepsy involves removing the area of the brain responsible for initiating seizures. It is important for surgeons to determine both the location of that area and the functionality of the surrounding areas precisely, in order to avoid removing too much tissue, or too little.
The Integra Epilepsy(TM) products conduct the brain's electrical signals directly from the brain's surface to an electroencephalograph (EEG) machine during surgery. Specialists can then locate the areas within the brain that initiate epileptic seizures, allowing the surgeon to remove those areas.
The products feature a variety of configurations to suit the surgeon's requirements. Electrode designs with multi-contact strips, various grid arrays, and probe-like depth electrodes are available for surface and subsurface recording. Unique features such as reinforcing Kevlar threads, patented easy-to-use cylindrical connectors, and color markings make Integra's product an excellent choice. Products are available with either stainless steel or platinum materials. In addition to the wide product offering, Integra offers custom electrodes for particular procedures. We estimate that the market opportunity for epilepsy electrodes is approximately $15 million dollars.
"The Integra Epilepsy(TM) product line is an excellent complement to our existing neurosurgical product offering in Europe. Surgeons and epilepsy technicians in Europe can now receive the same high level of product excellence, service and support for their epilepsy electrode needs that they receive on our other products," said Stuart M. Essig, Integra's President and Chief Executive Officer.
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, plastic and 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 future use of the INTEGRA Epilepsy(tm) products. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from predicted or expected results. Among other things, physicians' willingness to use these products 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, 2003 and information contained in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect actual results.