PLAINSBORO, N.J., Nov. 11, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integra LifeSciences (Nasdaq:IART) announced today that it is featuring the Paramount^® Pedicle Screw Fixation System for minimally invasive spine surgery at the annual North American Spine Society (NASS) Meeting, held November 10-14, 2009 in San Francisco, California. Integra acquired the Paramount^® system in September 2009 as a result of the acquisition of certain assets of Innovative Spinal Technologies, Inc. (IST).

The Paramount^® System will be made available to a select group of surgeons, following the introduction at NASS. A full launch of the Paramount^® system is planned for the first quarter of 2010, at which time the system will be released to surgeons throughout the United States.

One of the Paramount^® system's unique features is its rod delivery system, wherein the rod is already attached to the screw head, helping to streamline a spinal fusion procedure and reducing the number of operative steps for the surgeon. The system also features a novel compression/distraction system and a robust rod reduction system. Additionally, the advanced Paramount^® screw delivery system uses a proprietary non-cannulated screw design with a K-wire guided tip for accurate screw placement and enhanced screw strength.

"The Paramount^® system provides surgeons with a unique and innovative solution for screw and rod delivery for spinal fixation," says Dr. Ali Araghi of Texas Back Institute in Phoenix, Arizona and one of IST's former designers. "A minimally invasive approach, such as the Paramount^® system, offers my patients a safe, effective procedure with less blood loss and a shorter recovery time."

An estimated 450,000 thoraco-lumbar fusions will be performed in the U.S. in 2009 to treat spinal disorders. Surgeons typically perform these procedures using highly invasive open techniques. The Paramount^® system gives surgeons a minimally invasive option. Patient benefits include quicker procedures, reduced blood loss, less tissue trauma and postoperative pain, and a shorter hospital stay.

"We're very pleased that the addition of the Paramount^® system allows us to offer our current distributors and surgeon customers a minimally invasive approach to spinal fusions," said Randy Theken, President of Integra Spine. "It also gives us an opportunity to further expand our distribution coverage throughout the United States."

The Paramount^® system is distributed through the Integra Spine independent distributor network. Integra Spine is a leading provider of fusion implants and orthobiologics used in spinal surgery, and is actively developing motion preservation devices. Visit www.integraspine.com for more information.

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 the Paramount^® system. 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 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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