MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Jan 5, 2005 -- ORTHOsoft Holdings Inc. (TSX-V: OSH) today announced the full market release of a new imageless minimally invasive total hip replacement application, developed in collaboration with Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics. This is the first computer-assisted surgical (CAS) application to result from the worldwide development and distribution agreement recently signed by ORTHOsoft and Smith & Nephew to serve the growing demand for minimally invasive surgeries.
The AchieveCAS(TM) Hip was designed specifically for use with two Smith & Nephew implant product lines: the Reflection(TM) and Synergy(TM) systems. The application will eventually be adapted for use with more hip implants in the Smith & Nephew family, making this innovative, minimally invasive technology accessible to a wider range of patients and surgeons.
``We are pleased with the success of this first application developed through our partnership with Smith & Nephew,`` said Dr. Louis-Philippe Amiot, orthopedic surgeon and Chief Executive Officer of ORTHOsoft Holdings Inc. ``The application has already logged over 40 successful surgeries by designing surgeons, who appreciate its easy-to-use functionality.``
The AchieveCAS(TM) Hip navigation system, which is compatible with multiple navigation systems, was designed with a particular emphasis on ease of use by surgical staff during surgery.
- The imageless application eliminates the need for pre-operative (CT scanning) and intra-operative (fluoroscopy) imaging of the patient which eliminates exposure to radiation for the patient and the surgeon.
- The innovative and highly-functional user interface is streamlined to reduce the number of steps in the surgical procedure. It offers sophisticated yet simple and intuitive graphic elements to explain the surgical tasks to be done at each step of the application.
- CAS technology facilitates minimally invasive hip surgeries, allowing smaller incisions, less damage of internal tissues and shorter recovery times, all of which lead to less post-operative surgical complications and improved patient outcomes.
``Traditional Total Hip Replacement is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today,`` commented Dr. David Harwood, orthopedic surgeon at the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. ``However, when relying on just sight and feel, even the most skilled surgeon can be inaccurate with regard to implant placement. By including the AchieveCAS(TM) Hip in the operation, surgeons can achieve greater accuracy and theoretically provide the patient with a better functioning, longer lasting joint. With minimally invasive hip replacement, visualization is decreased, which makes the use of AchieveCAS(TM) Hip even more important.``
Tens of thousands of hip replacement surgeries are carried out around the world every year. This number is expected to continue to grow as a result of the development of new CAS minimally invasive applications.
About ORTHOsoft
ORTHOsoft Holdings Inc. (www.orthosoft.ca), based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, designs and develops multi-platform surgical navigation systems (Navitrack(R)) for the growing Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery (CAOS) market. ORTHOsoft`s knee, hip and spine applications, which are intuitive and easy to use because they follow traditional surgical flow, provide surgeons with real-time data that improve both surgical process and patient outcomes. To date, Navitrack(R) has supported over 16,000 surgical procedures in Europe and North America.
About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew (NYSE: SNN, LSE: SN) (www.smith-nephew.com) is one of the world`s leading medical devices companies, specializing in Orthopaedics, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management. Smith & Nephew is one of the fastest growing full-line orthopaedics companies in the world, ranks as the global leader in arthroscopy and is one of the world`s leading advanced wound management companies.
Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people`s lives. The company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeon and healthcare professional customers, with whom its name is synonymous with the highest standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has more than 7,000 employees and operates in 32 countries around the world, generating sales of nearly $2 billion.
For ORTHOsoft:
Grace Pollock or Jean-Francois LeBrun
Cohn & Wolfe
(514) 845-2257
gpollock@mtl.cohnwolfe.com
jflebrun@mtl.cohnwolfe.comor
Smith & Nephew
David Brownlee or Mark Harbaugh
(901) 396-2121
David.brownlee@smith-nephew.com
Mark.harbaugh@smith-nephew.com
