PLAINSBORO, N.J., Aug 28, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- The Integra Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Integra LifeSciences Corporation (Nasdaq:IART), announced today that it has awarded a $25,000 grant to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), in support of the XIV World Congress of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS). The Congress is being hosted by the AANS and an estimated 2,700 attendees from more than 80 countries are expected to attend. This premier international neurosurgical meeting is taking place at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts, August 30-September 4, 2009, but officially opens to the media on Monday, August 31.

"Through their generous contribution to the AANS, the Integra Foundation has shown their commitment to promoting world class neuroresearch, amid the truly unique venue of the XIV World Congress of Neurological Surgery," stated AANS Executive Director Thomas A. Marshall.

The Congress focuses on the latest research and technological advances in the field of international neurosurgery. "This meeting provides an unparalleled venue for neurosurgeons to share firsthand experiences with like-minded colleagues from diverse areas of the world, and further, bring their unique surgical and cultural perspectives to the table," said WFNS President Jacques Brotchi, MD, PhD.

Leading neurosurgeons and neuroscientists from across the world will cover state-of-the-art concepts, recent advances, and emerging trends in general neurosurgery, as well as subspecialty disciplines including cerebrovascular, neurotrauma, neuro-oncology, pediatrics, peripheral nerve, skull-based, spine and stereotactic/functional.

"This meeting presents a phenomenal setting for neurosurgeons and researchers to not only present a dazzling array of neurosurgical research and innovations, but to participate in international camaraderie amid the culturally and historically rich backdrop of Boston," stated XIV World Congress of Neurological Surgery President Roberto C. Heros, MD.

Highlights include 100 breakfast seminars, 520 oral abstracts, over 800 electronic poster presentations, 120 video presentations, and close to 100 exhibiting companies. There will be presentations from more than 1,700 unique speakers. For the first time, the Congress scientific program will feature 12 practical courses offering hands-on interaction and the use of state-of-the-art equipment.

Also unprecedented, the WFNS has invited allied health personnel to attend. Nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants will be able to choose from over 420 hours of educational programming and two special Allied Health sessions on September 1 and 2.

Founded in 1955, the WFNS is a professional, scientific, non-governmental organization comprising 5 Continental Associations, 98 National Neurosurgical Societies and 6 Affiliate Societies, representing some 30,000 neurosurgeons worldwide.

Founded in 1931 as the Harvey Cushing Society, the AANS is a scientific and educational association with over 7,600 members worldwide. The AANS is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to provide the highest quality of neurosurgical care to the public. All active members of the AANS are Board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or the Mexican Council of Neurological Surgery, A.C.

The Integra Foundation is dedicated to advancing innovative medical and healthcare research and education, primarily in the areas of neurosurgery, reconstructive and general surgery, that lead to improved outcome and quality of life for patients and their communities. It is funded by Integra LifeSciences Corporation, a world leader in developing and marketing high quality surgical instruments, as well as innovative devices and bio-products, for use in orthopedics, neurosurgery and general surgery. www.integra-foundation.org

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SOURCE: The Integra Foundation

CONTACT:  The Integra Foundation
Gianna Sabella, Executive Director
609-936-2389
gsabella@integra-LS.com

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