STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 29, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Artimplant, a biomaterials and orthobiologics company based in Gothenburg, Sweden, has received new CE certificates with extended indications for two products.
Artelon(r) TMC Spacer (Artelon(TM) CMC-I Spacer renamed) is now approved for marketing with a screw fixation of the implant. The initial CE- certificate stated that the implant should be fixed to the joint with sutures. With the extended indication, the physician can chose the fixation method, which has been requested from the many hand surgeons and orthopedists that have shown an interest in the product. Screw fixation cuts the operation time by more than half.
Earlier Artelon(r) ACL Augmentation Device indication for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction covered patella tendon only as the autograft to use. Now, the surgeon can also use hamstring. In recent years, the use of hamstring in ACL reconstruction has increased from around 20 percent to 40-50 percent of all cases. A knee surgeon wanting to use Artimplant's augmentation device, now has a choice depending on the patient's situation. The market potential in Europe increases considerably with the extended indication, which also is a prerequisite for a final evaluation of the pilot sales in the United Kingdom that commenced in 2003.
ARTIMPLANT
Artimplant's mission is to develop novel biodegradable materials and implants that meet the needs of patients, physicians and healthcare providers in orthopedics and other therapy areas. The company works together with global partners as a center of excellence in this development.
Artimplant's vision is to become the partner of choice in biomaterials for hard and soft tissue repair in multiple therapy areas.
Artimplant is a public company, listed on the Stockholm Exchange, O-list.
Nota Bene: Artelon(r) is a registered trade name in Europe. Registrations in the United States and Japan are pending.
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http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/03/29/20040328BIT00050/wkr0001.doc
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/03/29/20040328BIT00050/wkr0002.pdf