ANDOVER, Mass., May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew’s Endoscopy Division today announced the launch of the ARTHROGARDE(TM) Hip Access Cannula, designed to prevent inadvertent damage to soft tissue that can occur during arthroscopic hip repair surgery.
During arthroscopy, surgeons frequently use a cannula to create a sterile pathway to the joint. They insert specialized devices through the cannula to diagnose and, if needed, repair damaged tissue in the joint. One challenge for surgeons has long been accessing the difficult-to-reach hip joint cavity without damaging the delicate cartilage surfaces within the joint.
The rounded ends of the ARTHROGARDE Hip Access Cannula provide a smooth surface to protect soft tissue as it penetrates the hip and enters the joint socket. The cannula wall has been thickened to provide additional strength and prevent bending or wear and tear over time.
“Surgeons are keenly aware of the potential for instrument-induced damage due to the nature of the hip anatomy,” said Lisa Donnelly, Smith & Nephew Endoscopy’s market manager for hip repair. “We have learned a great deal since producing the first generation of cannulas for hip arthroscopy, and with ARTHROGARDE, we’ve put that experience to good use for the benefit of our surgeons and their patients.”
The line includes reusable closed cannulas in three sizes (4.5mm, 5.0mm, 5.5mm), as well as a slotted cannula which allows the surgeon to utilize larger, and/or curved instruments which do not fit down a standard closed cannula. The slotted cannula features a spoon-like design at the tip to provide cartilage protection. The Slotted Hip Access Cannula has a redesigned grip that makes the cannula more stable and resistant to bending.
“The new ARTHROGARDE Hip Access Cannula series was designed to reduce the possibility of inadvertent injury to cartilage when performing hip arthroscopy. Testing demonstrated that it was difficult to damage the cartilage even when it was intended,” said Dr. Victor Ilizaliturri, a professor of hip and knee surgery at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and Chief of Adult Joint Reconstruction at the National Rehabilitation Institute of Mexico in Mexico City. “These new devices will be viewed as a welcome addition to hip arthroscopy instrumentation for surgeons who are both new to hip arthroscopy and experienced practitioners.”
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 2007 were nearly $2.8 billion.
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CONTACT: Joe Metzger, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Smith &
Nephew Endoscopy, +1-978-749-1330, joe.metzger@smith-nephew.com
Web site: http://www.smith-nephew.com/
