SAN DIEGO, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ArthroCare -- Study results released in a presentation by Dr. James P. Tasto at the International Cartilage Repair Society 6th Symposium this week show the use of low-temperature bipolar radiofrequency, known as Coblation(R) technology, may aid in the repair of the avascular region of the meniscus of rabbits following injury and suture repair.
“The purpose of the current study was to utilize bipolar radiofrequency in the treatment of an avascular meniscal injury and suture repair, and to evaluate its effects on the healing response of the treated area,” said Dr. Tasto, Clinical Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, University of California San Diego. “The results of this study are encouraging and indicate this approach to treat the meniscus may have therapeutic value in humans.”
During the study, 20 New Zealand White rabbits with meniscal injuries in the avascular region had suture repair while 26 were treated with suture repair and Coblation technology. No evidence of healing was observed in the suture-only menisci. However, 54 percent of the menisci treated with Coblation in addition to suture repair showed some evidence of healing after nine days. When given 28 days, it resulted in a 70-percent healing rate.
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.
In addition to the presentation, two posters featured at the Symposium highlight low-temperature bipolar radiofrequency:
* “In vivo histology through one year after clinical use of bipolar radiofrequency-based chondroplasty” by Batistella et al, concludes bipolar radiofrequency appears to provide a safe means for treating moderate grade chondral lesions. * “The use of bipolar radiofrequency for the treatment of aged tendons in the New Zealand rabbit” by Tasto et al, concludes the application of bipolar radiofrequency could have significant value in the treatment of tendon disorders.
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 2005 and 2006, 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, 2004. 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 Eric Beikmann FischerHealth (310) 577-7870 ebeikmann@fischerhealth.com
ArthroCare Corp.
CONTACT: Eric Beikmann of FischerHealth, +1-310-577-7870,ebeikmann@fischerhealth.com, for ArthroCare Corp.
Web site: http://www.arthrocare.com/
