New Multi-Functional Generator And Radiofrequency Probes For Minimally Invasive Treatment Of Back Pain

Main Category: Back Pain
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 14 Jul 2004 - 14:00 PDT

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Smith & Nephew's Endoscopy division today announced the launch of the ELECTROTHERMAL� 20S Spine System. The system includes a new multi-functional generator that provides controlled levels of thermal energy for treating chronic lower back pain. The ELECTROTHERMAL 20S Spine System is for use with the company's current minimally invasive therapies and with its new procedure to treat neck and back pain resulting from painful facet (spine) joints.

"The ELECTROTHERMAL 20S system meets both our surgical and business needs by providing a generator for multiple surgical applications in one simple, easy-to-use package," commented Michael Schaufele M.D., Emory Spine Center, Atlanta.

The ELECTROTHERMAL 20S generator, which at 12.6 pounds is portable, was designed with an autoprobe recognition feature that immediately recognizes which device is plugged in and automatically adjusts to default settings for that procedure. The generator also provides a unique, interactive on-screen intelligence feature, providing the user with an information and troubleshooting capability.

In addition to the company's INTRADISCAL ELECTROTHERMAL THERAPY (IDET�) procedure for treatment of lower back pain generated by tears and fissures in the annular wall of spinal discs and ELECTROTHERMAL Disc Decompression (EDD) for treatment of lower back and leg pain generated from bulging, but contained discs, the new generator will provide the technology to power its new procedure: Standard and pulsed radiofrequency (RF) lesioning for treatment of pain originating from the facet joints.

The facet joints are a common source of chronic neck and back pain due to poor posture, degenerative changes, or various injuries such as whiplash.

"Chronic back pain can keep people from performing the simplest of tasks like bending over to pick up a dropped item or getting out of a car," said Jim Taylor, president, Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. "The ELECTROTHERMAL 20S Spine System consolidates our comprehensive range of treatments for back pain into one power source and covers the full needs of spine physicians."

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, Orthopaedics and Advanced Wound Management. Smith & Nephew ranks as the global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management, and is one of the fastest growing full-line orthopaedics company in the world.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The company prides itself in 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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