ANDOVER, Mass., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew’s Endoscopy Division today announced the launch of a redesigned and expanded family of CLEAR-TRAC Disposable Cannulas, with a new, triple-seal system that reduces fluid leakage and helps surgeons manage sutures during arthroscopic surgery.
Cannulas provide a sterile pathway through which surgeons insert instruments during minimally invasive procedures.
“We have expanded the CLEAR-TRAC cannula family with the introduction of a CLEAR-TRAC Flexible device,” said Jonathan Romeo, market manager in Smith & Nephew’s Capital business unit. “It features a flexible plastic shaft that provides surgeons with a better feel for changes in tissue density as it is inserted into the body, a feature that surgeons said they sought in a cannula.”
The redesigned CLEAR-TRAC COMPLETE and the new CLEAR-TRAC Flexible devices feature a new, patent pending triple-seal system with an integrated suture management system -- specially placed notches in which a surgeon can temporarily segregate and coordinate sutures outside the arthroscopic cavity during procedures.
The new seal system is specifically designed to minimize the leaking and spraying of surgical fluid from the cannula during procedures. Surgeons use sterile solution to distend the joint and create space to maneuver instruments during the repair process. The fluid within the joint is pressurized, to reduce bleeding and to flush away loose bodies or other materials.
“Surgeons who perform arthroscopic procedures expect to get wet, especially later in the surgery, because surgical fluid escapes through the seals when we pass instruments or sutures,” said Dr. Marc J. Milia, an orthopedic shoulder specialist with Michigan Orthopedic Specialists in Dearborn, Mich. “The seals on the CLEAR-TRAC cannula minimize leakage of fluid for the duration of the procedure.”
In addition to keeping the surgeon and staff dry during a procedure, the new seal system also has the added benefit of reducing procedural costs. “The loss of surgical fluid through the cannulas can add to the cost of each procedure,” Dr. Milia added. “The new seals help to reduce these costs by significantly decreasing fluid consumption.”
Our expanded cannula line illustrates Smith & Nephew’s commitment to listening to and responding to the needs of our surgeon customers and their staffs, Romeo said.
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About Us
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Trauma and Clinical Therapies, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies.
Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people’s lives. The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The Company operates in 32 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2006 were nearly $2.8 billion.
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joe.metzger@smith-nephew.com
CONTACT: Joe Metzger, Vice President, Corporate Communications of Smith &
Nephew Endoscopy, +1-978-749-1330, joe.metzger@smith-nephew.com
