UTICA, N.Y., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- CONMED Corporation (Nasdaq: CNMD)
announced that its subsidiary, Linvatec Corporation, a global leader in
arthroscopy and powered surgical instruments, has released the UltraSorb(TM)
Suture Anchor for rotator cuff repair. The bioabsorbable implant will retain
its strength during the important healing period while the rotator cuff
reattaches, but will slowly reabsorb into the body over a two to three year
period.
The UltraSorb(TM) Rotator Cuff Suture Anchor offers numerous advantages
over current metal suture anchors. The simple-to-use system can be used for
open or arthroscopic repairs and is pre-packaged on a sterile disposable
inserter. The unique deployment mechanism allows for a simple and
reproducible insertion of the anchor into bone. The Independent Suture
Sliding (I.S.S.) Eyelet Design allows for the two pre-threaded sutures to
independently move when passing through soft tissue or during knot-tying.
Mr. Joseph J. Corasanti, President and Chief Operating Officer of CONMED
said, "Our shoulder surgery offering is among the fastest growing of any of
our arthroscopic products. The bioabsorbable UltraSorb(TM) implant adds to
the depth of our shoulder line because of its ease-of-use and strong fixation
capabilities."
There are approximately 400,000 rotator cuff repairs performed globally
each year. This number will continue to grow due to the aging population and
the increased activity level of this age group. Rotator cuff injuries are
quite common within all demographic categories due to daily wear and tear of
the tendons. The soft tissue anchor market segment is projected to have a
higher than average annual growth rate with the majority of the growth coming
from bioabsorbables.
Mr. Corasanti added, "We are investing heavily in the development of
bioabsorbable implants and new types of biocomposite materials. The
UltraSorb(TM) will allow Linvatec to capitalize on the sharp growth that the
bioabsorbable portion of the suture anchor market is experiencing."
Vern Cooley, M.D., a renowned sports medicine surgeon and physician of the
US Ski Team, stated, "The combination of a bioabsorable anchor and superior
pull-out strength give me the confidence to use the UltraSorb(TM) on a regular
basis. The simple-to-use inserter makes this product appealing to all
surgeons."
CONMED is a medical technology company specializing in instruments and
implants for arthroscopic sports medicine, and powered surgical instruments
for orthopedic, ENT, neuro-surgery, and other surgical specialties. The
Company is also a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of advanced
medical devices, including RF electrosurgery systems used in all types of
surgery, 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 herein or in previous disclosures. 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; (vi) the possibility that any new acquisition or other
transaction may require the Company to reconsider its financial assumptions
and goals/targets; and/or (vii) the Company's ability to devise and execute
strategies to respond to market conditions.
SOURCE CONMED Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.conmed.com
Company News On-Call:
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CONTACT:
Robert Shallish, Chief Financial Officer of
CONMED Corporation, +1-315-624-3206; or Investors - Theresa Vogt
or Sarah Torres, or Media - Dan Budwick, both of Morgen-Walke
Associates, +1-212-850-5600, for CONMED Corporation
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