ULTRABRAID(reg), a high-strength polyethylene suture for attaching soft tissue to bone

Main Category: Bones / Orthopedics
Article Date: 05 Jul 2004 - 17:00 PDT

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Smith & Nephew's Endoscopy division today announced the launch of ULTRABRAID(reg), a high-strength polyethylene suture for attaching soft tissue to bone.

ULTRABRAID, which incorporates a unique braid design to offer unprecedented strength for soft tissue repair will come loaded on Smith & Nephew's TWINFIX(reg) range of suture anchors, which are used to repair shoulder injuries to the rotator cuff.

Each year, more than 6 million people visit their doctor complaining of shoulder pain. About one quarter of those patients will seek a specialist's care for rotator cuff tears or related injuries, which make it painful for people to swing a golf club, dig in their garden or even reach for an item on a high shelf.

"ULTRABRAID will provide a stronger and more pliable suture material for arthroscopic and open repairs of ligaments and tendons," said Dr. Timothy Luke, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, N.Y., who clinically tested the knot strength of the ULTRABRAID suture.

While polyester suture is currently used in shoulder surgery, it does not always result in a secure knot. Knots that fail after surgery may lead to additional and costly surgical intervention.

Smith & Nephew's ULTRABRAID is made of a polyethylene fiber with a unique, proprietary braid configuration. It slides through tissue and anchors easily, resists fraying and creates a stronger knot than traditional suture.

"It is critical in shoulder repair procedures to have access to products that will withstand wear and tear around the joint as the soft tissue heals," said Jim Taylor, president, Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. "Adding ULTRABRAID suture to the TWINFIX anchor system is yet another step in our mission to provide leading edge tools to our surgeon customers and their patients."

About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew (NYSE: SNN, LSE: SN) (http://www.smith-nephew.com) is one of the world's leading medical device companies, specializing in Endoscopy, Orthopedics, and Advanced Wound Management. Smith & Nephew ranks as the global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management, and is the fastest growing full-line orthopedics company in the world.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeon and healthcare professional customers, with whom its name is synonymous with the highest standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has more than 7,000 employees and operates in 32 countries around the world, generating sales of nearly $2 billion.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The company wishes to caution the reader that actual results may differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be adversely affected by, among other things, risks associated with new product development and commercialization, clinical trials, intellectual property, regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, the company's overall business strategy and other factors.

Contact:
Joe Metzger
Smith & Nephew Endoscopy
(978) 749-1330

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