UTICA, N.Y., April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- ConMed Corporation (Nasdaq: CNMD)
today announced that its subsidiary, Linvatec Corporation, a global leader in
arthroscopy and powered surgical instruments, will be launching the patented
Trident Resection Ablator for soft tissue resection, ablation and coagulation
at the Arthroscopy Association of North America's Spring meeting in Seattle,
April 19 - 22, 2001.
The first to market Trident is an "all-in-one" instrument that deploys the
latest in electrosurgical technology by combining the ablation and coagulation
capability of the Linvatec 2.5mm UltrAblator(TM) electrode with the mechanical
resection capability of the Linvatec 4.2mm XtraSharp Gator(R) shaver blade.
The tool, therefore, provides the surgeon a choice of methods for soft tissue
resection and removal (shaver blade or ablator), gives immediate access to the
coagulation function as needed, and eliminates the need to change instruments
during procedures, thereby increasing efficiency by reducing the time spent in
the operating room.
Hugh West, M.D., a sports medicine surgeon from the University of Utah and
LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, states, "Arthroscopic surgeons have never
had the option of mechanical resection, ablation or coagulation in one tool
and the Trident provides this important choice with convenience and
exceptional performance. I have not had to give up anything in terms of
functionality for any of the individual features and have been impressed with
the ease-of-use of the product. The Trident reduces procedure time and
eliminates the expense associated with additional specialized tools."
Commenting on the launch, Gerald Woodard, President of Linvatec, stated,
"Linvatec is extremely excited about the release of our new technology for use
in the arthroscopy market, in the form of the Trident Resection Ablator. In
being first to the market with this technology, Linvatec continues its
commitment to the development of products for soft tissue ablation, while
leveraging our expertise in the disposable shaver blade arena. We believe
this technology will revolutionize the method in which arthroscopic procedures
are performed."
The Trident is used in conjunction with the new Linvatec Advantage(TM)
shaver and power system, which incorporates the lightest, most powerful shaver
in its class for resection. The electrosurgical function is powered by and
compatible with several electrosurgical generators presently available in the
marketplace today, such as the ConMed Excalibur(R) PC and Sabre(TM) 2400
models.
Mr. Joseph J. Corasanti, President and Chief Operating Officer of CONMED
said, "The Trident Resection Ablator is the first technologically advanced
product developed utilizing the strengths of both ConMed and Linvatec. The
electrosurgical expertise of ConMed and the shaver blade technology of
Linvatec blend to produce the 'first of its kind' multi-function soft tissue
ablation and resection tool. The Trident is a tremendous example of ConMed's
commitment to the introduction of innovative technologies and products to the
markets we serve."
The present disposable shaver blade market is estimated to be
approximately $230 million. The tissue ablation market has shown rapid growth
in a few short years, and is expected to reach approximately $100 million by
the end of 2001. The Trident's unique combination of traditional disposable
shaver blades, the "Gold Standard" of soft tissue resection, with tissue
ablation technology provides a significant potential for the Trident Resection
Ablator product.
ConMed (Nasdaq: CNMD) is a medical technology company specializing in
instruments and implants for arthroscopic sports medicine, and powered
surgical equipment, such as drills and saws, for orthopedic, ENT and
neurosurgery. The company is also a leading developer, manufacturer and
supplier of advanced medical devices, including electrosurgical systems, ECG
electrodes for heart monitoring, and minimally invasive surgical devices.
Headquartered in Utica, New York, the Company's 2,400 employees distribute its
products worldwide from eight manufacturing locations.
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on certain
assumptions and contingencies that involve risks and uncertainties. The
forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and relate to the
Company's performance on a going-forward basis. The forward-looking statements
in this press release involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual
results, performance or trends, including the above mentioned anticipated
revenues and earnings, to differ materially from those expressed in the
forward-looking statements. The Company believes that all forward-looking
statements made by it have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance
that management's expectations, beliefs or projections as expressed in the
forward-looking statements will actually occur or prove to be correct. In
addition to general industry and economic conditions, factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-
looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to: (i)
the failure of any one or more of the assumptions stated above to prove to be
correct; (ii) the risks relating to forward-looking statements discussed in
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2000; (iii) cyclical purchasing patterns from customers, end-users and
dealers; (iv) timely release of new products, and acceptance of such new
products by the market; (v) the introduction of new products by competitors
and other competitive responses; and/or (vi) the Company's ability to devise
and execute strategies to respond to market conditions.
SOURCE ConMed Corporation
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http://www.conmed.com
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CONTACT:
Robert Shallish, Chief Financial Officer of
ConMed Corporation, 315-797-8375; or Investors - Theresa Vogt or
Sarah Torres; or Media - Dan Budwick, all of Morgen-Walke
Associates, 212-850-5600
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