VAPR® S50 Suction Electrode Offers Optimal Access To Tight Anatomy During Arthroscopic Knee And Shoulder Surgery

Main Category: Bones / Orthopaedics
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 13 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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DePuy Mitek, Inc., a leading manufacturer of surgical sports medicine devices, announced the launch of the VAPR® S50 Radiofrequency Electrode, the company's first small diameter suction electrode with a 12 percent smaller profile than the leading competitor's electrode1.

The VAPR S50 uses radiofrequency energy to smooth tissue and eliminate jagged edges resulting from the surgical removal of soft tissue in the knee or shoulder. It is designed to vaporize soft tissue (ablation) and remove debris, fluid and heat (suction), as well as seal blood vessels (coagulation) while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and increasing visualization during arthroscopic surgery.

With its small diameter and anatomic bend, it offers surgeons optimal access to the tight anatomy of the knee or shoulder.

"The VAPR S50 does an excellent job of accessing tight anatomy and provides tremendous versatility for both controlled tissue sculpting, as well as rapid tissue removal when necessary," said Brian Busconi, MD, Chief of Sports Medicine for the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center.

At its default setting, the VAPR system provides sufficient power for controlled ablation including meniscal sculpting. Surgeons can adjust the wattage for aggressive tissue removal including ACL debridement, notchplasty or general tissue ablation. At its highest setting, the VAPR S50 is more powerful than the leading competitor, offering 53 percent faster tissue ablation2.

The VAPR S50 also features a "Seamless Fault Safety Feature" that shuts off the electrode when it approaches metal and automatically reactivates when safely away. The VAPR S50 includes an integrated hand piece that benefits surgeons by reducing the number of required connections in the OR.

About DePuy Mitek, Inc.

DePuy Mitek, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, is the leading developer and manufacturer of innovative surgical sports medicine and soft tissue repair devices. The company offers a vast array of surgical solutions to assist in addressing the challenges of soft tissue repair. Through the on-going process of improving upon and creating new, technologically advanced materials, instruments and techniques, DePuy Mitek looks for continued growth in developing the means to advance procedural solutions in the field of sports medicine.

DePuy Mitek, Inc..