Integra LifeSciences Features Auragen(TM) Electrodes at Congress of Neurological Surgeons
PLAINSBORO, N.J., Oct. 27, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq:IART) will feature the Auragen(TM) line of cortical electrodes for brain mapping at the 2009 Congress of Neurological Surgeons, held October 24 - October 29, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Auragen(TM) electrodes have received 510(k) clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CE Mark Certification in the European Union. Auragen(TM) electrodes have also received FDA clearance for conditional use under Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Approximately 3.0 million Americans (1% of the population) have been diagnosed with epilepsy. For 25% to 30% of all patients, medication may not adequately control their seizures, and epilepsy surgery may be used to provide seizure control and improved patient quality of life.
Electrocorticography (ECoG) is a necessary and highly specialized method for mapping areas of the brain, in order to determine the origin of epileptic seizures before they are surgically removed. Auragen(TM) electrodes are placed on the surface of the brain and are designed to facilitate safe and accurate ECoG.
Auragen(TM) electrodes are also used to map eloquent areas of the cortex before tumor resection, in order that neurosurgeons can avoid removing areas of the cortex that could result in some form of paralysis, loss of sensory processing or linguistic ability.
The Auragen(TM) line of electrodes offers a wide range of features to help simplify the placement, performance, and identification of the electrodes.
"The Auragen(TM) electrode line produces clear, consistent and reliable signals through its increased conductive properties, improved strength and gold-on-gold connections," stated Christopher von Jako, Vice President of Marketing for Integra NeuroSciences. "The advancements in our brain mapping electrodes and accessories reflect our commitment to develop products that allow clinicians to operate with added confidence."
Integra offers a diverse line of brain mapping products, which are sold by the Integra NeuroSciences sales organization. Integra NeuroSciences is a leading provider of implants, devices, instruments and systems used in neurosurgery, neuromonitoring, neuro-trauma and related neurocritical care.
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 Auragen(TM) electrodes. 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, economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified under the heading "Risk Factors" included in Item IA 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.
IART-P
CONTACT: Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation
Gianna Sabella, Director of Corporate Communications
(609) 936-2389
gsabella@integra-LS.com
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