PLAINSBORO, N.J., Oct. 3, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integra LifeSciences (Nasdaq:IART) today announced the global market introduction of the NewPort™ Minimally Invasive Spinal System (MIS) and the limited release of the Integra™ Steerable Intervertebral Body Fusion Device (IBD). The two systems expand Integra's ability to offer surgeons user-friendly and highly intuitive minimally invasive systems for thoraco-lumbar spinal fixation procedures. Integra will feature both systems at the upcoming annual meetings for the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), October 1-6, 2011, in Washington, D.C., and the Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS), October 21-23, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada

"Although the additional instrumentation required for minimally invasive surgeries adds a level of complexity to the procedure, the benefit to the patient is well worth the extra effort," said Dr. Chris Taleghani from Cumberland Brain and Spine in Hermitage, Tennessee. "The Newport™ system provides a user-friendly percutaneous approach and addresses a large portion of my needs for a minimally invasive surgery.  The system's extended tab screws eliminate the extra step to attach the towers and allow for smaller incisions compared to tower-based minimally invasive systems."

The NewPort™ MIS System combines the Malibu™ System's implant innovations with new instrumentation.  The NewPort™ MIS System's extended tab screws serve as built-in towers, which eliminates the additional profile and steps associated with placing a tower on the screw head.  This provides not only a streamlined technique, but a secure screw-tower connection that may limit the surgeon's uncertainty of tower placement. Featuring two percutaneous rod deployment options, the NewPort™ MIS system provides surgeons flexibility in selecting the method that suits their technique.

In addition to designing easy-to-use supplemental fixation systems, Integra is also focusing on intervertebral body fusion devices (IBD). The Integra™ Steerable IBD gets its name from the user's ability to "steer" the device into the proper anatomical position. The unique instruments, united with a broad selection of curved implants, deliver intraoperative versatility with a high level of control and precision for a minimally invasive transforaminal delivery. This is critical when a surgeon is working in the smaller operative field required for minimally invasive procedures.

The combination of the NewPort™ System and the Integra™ Steerable IBD provides surgeons with a complete minimally invasive solution that simplifies the procedure. 

"As Integra grows its presences in the spine market, we will continue to focus on the needs of the surgeon and collaborate in the design of leading edge solutions for minimally invasive procedures," said Brian Larkin, Global President, Spine and Orthobiologics, and Head of Strategic Development for Integra.

An estimated 272,000 thoraco-lumbar fixation procedures will be performed in the United States in 2011 to treat spinal disorders. Spine surgeons typically perform these procedures using highly invasive open techniques. The NewPort™ MIS Spinal System gives surgeons a minimally invasive option for placement of pedicle screws in the lumbar spine. Minimally invasive spinal sytems are designed for faster procedures, reduced blood loss, less tissue trauma and postoperative pain, and a shorter hospital stay. 

Integra is a leading provider of fusion implants and orthobiologics used in spinal surgery. 

About Integra

Integra LifeSciences, a world leader in medical devices, is dedicated to limiting uncertainty for surgeons, so they can concentrate on providing the best patient care.  Integra offers innovative solutions in orthopedics, neurosurgery, spine, reconstructive and general surgery. For more information, please visit www.integralife.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, 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, 2010 and information contained in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect actual results.

CONTACT: Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation

         

         Gianna Sabella

         Director, Corporate Communications

         (609) 936-2389

         gianna.sabella@integralife.com