ArthroCare's MD SpineWand Uses Smaller Incisions in Routinely Performed Spinal
Surgeries
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ArthroCare(R) Corp.
(Nasdaq: ARTC), a leader in developing state-of-the-art, minimally invasive
surgical products, announced today at the North American Spine Society Annual
Meeting that its MD SpineWand(R) is now available for use in some of the most
common spinal surgeries.
The MD SpineWand is designed to remove soft tissue -- including disc
material -- through small incisions, which avoid damage to surrounding
structures and anatomy. Lumbar microdiscectomy is the most commonly performed
surgical procedure in which disc material is removed. Lumbar microdiscectomy
is primarily performed to treat the symptoms associated with a herniated disc.
Approximately 400,000 lumbar microdiscectomies are performed each year, and
this procedure typically requires a large (approximate 6mm) annulotomy, or
incision, made into the outer ring of the disc in order to gain access to the
disc tissue. Clinical studies have that shown a large annulotomy weakens the
disc and increases the risk of reherniation, requiring follow-up surgery(i).
The device was developed in conjunction with Kevin T. Foley, M.D.,
F.A.C.S., a renowned minimally invasive spine surgeon and professor of
neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee, Memphis.
"The device effectively removes soft tissue, including disc material, and
provides patients with the benefits of a less invasive approach," said Dr.
Foley. During the less invasive procedure, the MD SpineWand gently and safely
removes tissue in a controlled manner using ArthroCare's patented Coblation
technology. The MD SpineWand is designed to be inserted into a tiny 2.5 mm
access point. Once inserted, it breaks up molecular bonds of soft tissue,
rapidly removing tissue volume while preserving the integrity of surrounding
tissue.
The MD SpineWand provides controlled tissue removal with Coblation(R), a
patented technology that uses electrical energy combined with a conductive
medium, such as saline solution, to form a plasma that gently and precisely
dissolves soft tissue, at relatively low temperatures, minimizing damage to
adjacent, healthy tissue.
"The MD SpineWand is the latest application of ArthroCare's Coblation
technology in the spine, providing surgeons with a more precise and less
invasive way to remove material," said David Applegate, vice president and
general manager of ArthroCare Spine.
ABOUT ARTHROCARE
Founded in 1993, ArthroCare Corporation (http://www.arthrocare.com) is a
highly innovative, multibusiness medical device company that develops,
manufactures and markets minimally invasive surgical products. With these
products, ArthroCare targets a multi-billion dollar market opportunity across
several medical specialties, significantly improving existing surgical
procedures and enabling new, minimally invasive procedures. Many of
ArthroCare's products are based on its patented Coblation(R) technology, which
uses low-temperature radiofrequency energy to gently and precisely dissolve
rather than burn soft tissue -- minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Used in
more than four million surgeries worldwide, Coblation(R)-based devices have
been developed and marketed for sports medicine; spine/neurologic; ear, nose
and throat (ENT); cosmetic; urologic and gynecologic procedures. ArthroCare
also has added a number of novel technologies to its portfolio, including Opus
Medical sports medicine, Parallax spine and Applied Therapeutics ENT products,
to complement Coblation(R) within key indications.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTS
Except for historical information, this press release includes
forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to,
the company's stated business outlook for fiscal 2007, continued strength of
the company's fundamental position, the strength of the company's technology,
the company's belief that strategic moves will enhance achievement of the
company's long term potential, the potential and expected rate of growth of
new businesses, continued success of product diversification efforts, and
other statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to the uncertainty of success of
the company's non-arthroscopic products, competitive risk, uncertainty of the
success of strategic business alliances, uncertainty over reimbursement, need
for governmental clearances or approvals before selling products, the
uncertainty of protecting the company's patent position, and any changes in
financial results from completion of year-end audit activities. These and
other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the company's
Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including ArthroCare's Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31,
2006. Forward-looking statements are indicated by words or phrases such as
"anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "believes," "intends," "expects," and
similar words and phrases. Actual results may differ materially from
management expectations.
(i) Caragee E.J., et al. Clinical Outcomes After Lumbar Discectomy for
Sciatica: The Effects of Fragment Type and Annular Competence. JBJS
2003; 85A:102-108
CONTACT: Kellie Reagan
FischerHealth
(310) 577-7870, ext. 126
kreagan@fischerhealth.com
SOURCE ArthroCare Corporation
CONTACT: Kellie Reagan of FischerHealth, 310-577-7870, ext. 126,
kreagan@fischerhealth.com, for ArthroCare Corporation
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