PLAINSBORO, N.J., March 1, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq:IART) announced today the introduction of two new valve systems for the treatment of hydrocephalus, the OSV II^® Lumbar and the OSV II^® Low Flow Lumbar Valve Systems. 

The new line of lumbar valves was specifically designed to treat hydrocephalus by regulating the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the lumbar spine.  These valves utilize the same revolutionary flow-regulating mechanism that has been at the heart of the OSV II^® product line since its first introduction for treatment of hydrocephalus by the regulation of CSF drainage from the ventricular spaces of the brain.

Hydrocephalus is most commonly treated by inserting a shunt into the ventricular system of the brain to divert the flow of CSF out of the brain and through a pressure valve, in order to maintain a normal level of CSF within the ventricles. In instances where it is difficult to place the shunt in the ventricular space, the OSV II^® Lumbar and OSV II^® Low Flow Lumbar valves facilitate an alternative path for hydrocephalus treatment by allowing for the insertion of a shunt in the lumbar region and diverting the flow of CSF to an appropriate site in the patient's body, such as the peritoneal cavity. The OSV II^® Low Flow Lumbar Valve was designed to accommodate patient populations that may require a slightly lower flow rate, such as aging patients. 

"We're very pleased that we can offer surgeons and patients an alternative treatment option for hydrocephalus," said John Barrett, VP of R&D and Marketing of Integra NeuroSciences. "Integra's self-adjusting valves automatically adapt to the patient's changing drainage needs on a continuous basis without the need for programming or adjustment by the physician."

The OSV II^® Lumbar valves represent a unique advancement in the treatment of hydrocephalus. They maintain a constant CSF flow rate that minimizes the risks of under or overdrainage and allow increased confidence in patient treatment. 

Integra currently offers a diverse line of hydrocephalus management products, including the Integra self-adjusting valves (OSV II^® and Integra NPH™ families), Integra DP™, Equi-Flow™, Novus™, LPV II™, Pudenz and H-V Lumbar valves, as well as ventricular, lumbar, peritoneal and cardiac catheters.

The Integra NeuroSciences direct sales organization will sell the OSV II^® Lumbar and OSV II^® Low Flow Lumbar Valve Systems. Integra NeuroSciences is a leading provider of implants, devices, instruments and systems used in neurosurgery, neuromonitoring, neuro-trauma, and related critical 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 every year. Our products are used primarily in orthopedics, neurosurgery and general surgery. Headquartered in Plainsboro, New Jersey, Integra has research and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. For more information, visit www.Integra-LS.com.

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 Integra products. 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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