PLAINSBORO, N.J., Oct. 26, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq:IART) announced today the launch of the CUSA ShearTip(TM) for its CUSA EXcel(R) Ultrasonic Surgical Tissue Ablation platform that includes the CUSA EXcel(R) and the CUSA EXcel(R)+ systems. The CUSA ShearTip(TM) has received 510(k) clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CE Mark Certification in the European Union. Integra will feature the CUSA ShearTip(TM) at the 2009 Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) annual meeting, October 24-29, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The CUSA ShearTip(TM) is designed to remove tough and tenacious, collagen-rich fibrous tissue that is resistant to fragmentation with traditional ultrasonic tips. This includes fibrous meningiomas and connective tissues.

The CUSA ShearTip(TM) features a unique tip design incorporating Integra's revolutionary ShearWave(TM) Technology. The tip creates shear stresses within fibrous tissue by directing intersecting waves of ultrasonic energy from tapered serrations on the tip end. Unlike traditional ultrasonic tips, the CUSA ShearTip(TM) does not stretch the tissue fibers longitudinally, but allows the ultrasonic waves to break the fibers by cutting through them like a pair of scissors. This increases the removal rate of targeted tissue by up to 50%, enabling the system to address a wider range of tissue types. When used with the unique TissueSelect(TM) function, the ShearTip(TM) provides a wider margin of safety, allowing surgeons to operate more confidently around critical structures.

"The innovative design of the CUSA ShearTip(TM) offers surgeons improved efficacy in fibrous tissue removal, helping to save valuable time in the operating room," said Christopher Thatcher, President of Integra NeuroSciences. "The new tip design will expand the use of the CUSA EXcel(R) platform in neurosurgical applications and beyond."

It is estimated that over 200,000 patients are diagnosed with a brain tumor in the U.S. annually, of which approximately 40,000 have primary brain tumors. The most common primary brain tumors are meningiomas, a type of tumor that develops from the meninges, the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are typically asymptomatic in their early stages and often remain undetected for some time. Once the mature tumors are finally detected, they have generally become fibrous and dense, making them difficult to remove with conventional ultrasonic cutting tips.

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation, a world leader in regenerative medicine, is a global medical device company dedicated to improving the quality of life for millions of patients each year. The company's products are used primarily in orthopedics, neurosurgery and general surgery. Headquartered in Plainsboro, New Jersey, Integra has research and manufacturing facilities throughout the world.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the future use of the CUSA EXcel(R) and CUSA EXcel(R)+ Ultrasonic Tissue Ablation Systems, CUSA ShearTip(TM), ShearWave(TM) Technology, and TissueSelect(TM). Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from predicted or expected results. Among other things, the willingness of physicians to use these products may affect the prospects for their use in clinical procedures. In addition, the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors, identified under the Risk Factors included in Item lA of Integra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and information contained in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could affect actual results.

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CONTACT:  Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation
          Gianna Sabella, Director of Corporate Communications
          (609) 936-2389
          gsabella@integra-LS.com

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