AUSTIN, Texas, April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ArthroCare Corp. announced study results published in this month’s Journal of Arthroscopy and Related Surgery show the use of low-temperature bipolar radiofrequency, known as Coblation(R) technology, preserves the same amount of healthy cells in a bovine model as a mechanical shaver in the treatment of the meniscus.
The study also indicated that Coblation technology may result in a smoother surface when compared to the shaver. This follows another study presented in January at the International Cartilage Repair Society 6th Symposium indicating that Coblation may aid in the repair of the avascular region of the meniscus of rabbits following injury and suture repair.
“The data from the study indicates bipolar radiofrequency produces no more cell death or injury than a mechanical shaver, which is considered part of the standard method for treating a torn meniscus,” said James P. Tasto, M.D., Clinical Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Diego. “This study, combined with previous studies exploring the healing rate of meniscal tissue, show promise that Coblation may offer significant benefits in treating the meniscus in humans.”
The study tested three different combinations of treatment methods in the meniscal debridement of six bovine knees and compared the results to an untreated control group. The different treatment combinations included Coblation technology alone, a basket punch followed by Coblation technology and a basket punch followed by mechanical shaver. The cell viability was 96 percent to 98 percent in all specimens. The data also indicated that meniscal debridement with Coblation did not extend to underlying cartilage.
Traditional clinical treatment of injuries to the meniscus has been challenging and has usually involved partial meniscectomy or surgical repair. A treatment option that could improve the healing rate of meniscal tissue would be highly desirable.
A unique and patented process for soft tissue surgical procedures, Coblation gently, precisely and volumetrically dissolves tissue at low temperatures (50 degrees C) by creating energized particles in a plasma field, with sufficient energy to break molecular bonds within targeted tissue. The plasma field is formed by introducing radiofrequency energy into a conductive medium, such as saline, to create the low-temperature environment.
For more information about Coblation, please contact ArthroCare at 1-800-348-8929, or visit http://www.arthrocare.com.
ABOUT ARTHROCARE
Founded in 1993, ArthroCare Corp. (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 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 2006 and 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 Sept. 30, 2005 and Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2005. 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: Jeff Speer FischerHealth (310) 577-7870, ext. 156 jspeer@fischerhealth.com
ArthroCare Corp.
CONTACT: Jeff Speer of FischerHealth, +1-310-577-7870, ext. 156,jspeer@fischerhealth.com, for ArthroCare Corp.
Web site: http://www.arthrocare.com/
