SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., May 16, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Advanced Refractive Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:ARFRE) today announced that it will begin studies in its Accupulse Cataract Emulsifier during the last half of 2006. The initial investigation will consist of animal studies at a major Western University.
Larry Hood, Chief Engineer for Advanced Refractive Technologies, said, "This will be the 8th generation cataract removal device. Several of the system's features are unique and will have patent protection. This new device will combine ultrasound and waterjet technologies for safe and rapid cataract removal." Mr. Hood has been involved in the first seven generations of cataract devices at Cavitron, CooperVision Surgical and Alcon.
These studies are designed to optimize the final design characteristics of the Accupulse System and prepare the device for FDA 510k approval.
The cataract market is one of the largest surgical markets in the world. It is forecasted that by 2007 there will be approximately 18,000,000 cataract procedures performed worldwide. The unique design of this cataract removal equipment should assist in allowing third world countries to use modern procedures which have not been available to date.
About Advanced Refractive Technologies, Inc.
Advanced Refractive Technologies, Inc. is a medical device company focused on the development and marketing of innovative ophthalmic applications that will result in faster, safer and more effective procedures in two of the largest surgical markets in the world: corrective refractive surgery and cataract surgery. The Company is also entering the area of drug discovery through strategic licensing opportunities. Advanced Refractive Technologies is also in the process of developing their Accupulse, a next generation cataract emulsifier, which utilizes the company's proprietary waterjet technology. The Accupulse cataract emulsifier, currently under development, is a device that uses pulsed waterjet technology to remove cataracts -- the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the world. For more information on Advanced Refractive Technologies, please visit its website at http://www.advancedrefractive.com.
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