MEGADYNE Introduces the Pediatric Mega Soft(R) Reusable Return Electrode

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - March 17, 2009) - AORN Annual Congress (Booth #1950) -- To address the small patient size and fragile skin challenges pediatric electrosurgery poses, the Pediatric Mega Soft® reusable return electrode is now available from Megadyne.

The Pediatric Mega Soft contains the same proven current limiting technology of the standard Mega Soft that automatically limits circuit current in the event of contact disruption. Used in more than 30 million procedures with zero electrosurgical pad site burns, Mega Soft's current limiting technology has proven to be safer than REM®*, contact quality monitoring (CQM), and sticky pads. Now this technology is available for use with patients weighing between 0.8 lb. (350 g) and 50 lb (23kg).

Measuring 26" L x 12" W x 1/2" thick, the pad is sized to fit easily in a bassinet/isolette or on the O.R. table. The infant may be placed directly on the pad, sized to extend the length and width of the patient's body. In addition to maximizing patient contact area, compared to small, "sticky" disposable electrodes that make contact with only a limited area of the patient's body, the pad eliminates adhesive-related skin irritations.

Compatible with isolated RF generators, the pad is manufactured with Akton® polymer and evenly distributes pressure to help prevent pressure ulcers. Additional benefits of the new pediatric pad include:

--  Environmentally friendly, eliminates waste of disposable "sticky" pad
--  Hold harmless guarantee against pad site burns
--  No power setting or timing restrictions
--  Significantly reduces cost per procedure -- up to a 70 percent savings
    over disposable pads
--  Safer than CQM "sticky pad" technology
    

"The launch of this new product fills a void that has existed for years in pediatric surgery," said Michael Hintze, Megadyne vice president of marketing. "Now, even the smallest surgical patients can benefit from our proven safe and effective return electrode technology and its protection against the risk of skin breakdown and pressure ulcers."

About MEGADYNE

MEGADYNE, www.megadyne.com, is the recognized authority on non-stick electrosurgical electrodes and cost-effective surgical devices. The company was founded in 1985 to facilitate the research and development of high quality, cost effective medical products for surgeons and nurses. After nearly two decades of innovation, its research and development team has continued to bring to market revolutionary electrosurgical devices and accessories to keep pace with the changing needs of healthcare professionals. MEGADYNE's products have been proven in thousands of operating rooms and surgical centers in most regions of the world. Its complete line of products include: the Mega Power™ Electrosurgical Generator, the E-Z Clean® line of non-stick electrosurgical tips, the revolutionary reusable Mega Soft® Patient Return Electrode System, the E-Z Pen™ Electrosurgical Pencil, Resposable Laparoscopic Electrodes with MegaTip® and Indicator Shaft® technology, electrosurgical pencils, open procedure electrodes, laparoscopic electrodes, and many other electrosurgical accessories.

*REM is a registered trademark of Valleylab (Covidien)

Contact Information: Press Contact: Paulette Brown Brown Communications Inc. 770-577-3881