AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 18, 2008--ArthroCare(R) Corp.
(NASDAQ: ARTC) announced today the European launch of its new
Quantum(TM) Pump, the first intelligent arthroscopy system that
provides all the features necessary to perform the demanding technical
aspects of modern arthroscopic surgery while at the same time
improving efficiency of the surgical procedure for the surgeon and
reducing patient time in the Operating Room.
The Quantum Pump is the only arthroscopy system to intelligently
integrate joint fluid management, radiofrequency wands, and mechanical
shaving instruments into one single console -- all features ensuring
optimal visualization, increased operating room efficiency and
enhanced safety.
"We're very excited about the European launch of the Quantum
Pump," said Jack Giroux, president of ArthroCare Sports Medicine.
"We're proud of the fact that it is genuinely the first system of its
kind -- designed to both improve operating room efficiency and patient
outcomes by intelligently integrating all the main functions in the
arthroscopic procedure into one system."
The device provides surgeons with independent control of flow and
pressure, and a built-in outflow tracking system to ensure constant
volume of fluid to the operative site. Other elements of the Quantum
Pump's design include joint selection settings which can be
pre-selected for pressure, flow, Smart Vision(TM) and Outflow Tracking
preferences. The Smart Vision preference can regulate flow and/or
pressure when blood and debris are detected. The display screen offers
multi-lingual instruction ideal for the European market.
The Quantum Pump has received CE Mark designation after meeting
all necessary health, safety and performance protection requirements
for the European Community, clearing the way for ArthroCare Sports
Medicine to market the system throughout Europe.
Giroux added that the Quantum Pump is ready for shipping and
ArthroCare Sports Medicine expects to begin fulfilling European
surgeons' requests for the device within the next month.
ArthroCare intends to seek a premarket notification (510(k)
clearance) for the pump later this year to facilitate a launch in the
US.
ABOUT ARTHROCARE
Founded in 1993, ArthroCare Corporation (www.arthrocare.com) is a
highly innovative, multi-business 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-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
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 2008,
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-K for the year
ended December 31, 2007. 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.
CONTACT: FischerHealth for ArthroCare Corp.
Kellie Reagan, 310-577-7870, ext. 126
kreagan@fischerhealth.com
SOURCE: ArthroCare Corp.
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