LANGHORNE, Pa., Oct. 5, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Power Medical Interventions(r), Inc. ("PMI"), a leader in developing and commercializing Intelligent Surgical Instruments, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared its 510(k) application for marketing the i60 Intelligent Surgical Instrument, a patented, first-of-its-kind surgical instrument for open and endoscopic surgery in gastrointestinal, gynecological, general abdominal, and thoracic surgical procedures for resection, transection, creation of anastomoses and for open occlusion of the heart's left atrial appendage
PMI's Intelligent Surgical Instruments are computer-assisted, power-actuated endomechanical instruments that surgeons use for cutting, stapling and tissue manipulation in a variety of procedures in open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. The Company believes that compared to conventional endomechanical devices, its Intelligent Surgical Instruments offer greater precision and consistency, superior compressive force, improved access to anatomical sites and enhanced ease of use. PMI's Intelligent Surgical Instruments have been used in over 30,000 surgical procedures worldwide.
The i60 Intelligent Surgical Instrument is the first of PMI's next generation products, that is controlled by drive motors, motor control circuits and clinician-feedback technology that have been miniaturized and integrated into the handpiece. The instrument is operated with digital controls located in the handle. PMI's first generation of Intelligent Surgical Instruments requires a flexible shaft that connects the hand held surgical device to a power console. The i60 Intelligent Surgical Instrument does not require a power console or a flexible shaft.
At the push of a button, the i60 places four rows of medical grade titanium staples in tissue while simultaneously cutting between them. The i60 Intelligent Surgical Instrument also offers articulation capabilities that enable it to mimic the articulation of the human wrist, enabling surgeons to access difficult to reach anatomy. The Company expects these key technology improvements to allow for more flexible manipulation, enhanced dexterity and increased ease of use of its Intelligent Surgical Instruments.
Michael Whitman, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, "The i60 is the first of PMI's next generation of Intelligent Surgical Instruments. PMI is pioneering this exciting new technology platform for use in both open and laparoscopic surgery. The i60 and its derivatives are also being developed for the emerging field of Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES)."
About Power Medical Interventions, Inc.:
Power Medical Interventions(r), Inc. is an integrated medical device company and the world's only provider of computer-assisted, power-actuated surgical stapling products. PMI's Intelligent Surgical Instruments enable less invasive surgical techniques to benefit surgeons, patients, hospitals and healthcare networks. The company was founded in 1999, and is headquartered in Langhorne, PA with additional offices in Germany, France, and Japan. To learn more about Power Medical Interventions, Inc. and its products, please visit www.pmi2.com
Statements included in this press release, which are not historical in nature, are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements relating to the future financial performance of the Company are subject to many factors including, but not limited to, the customer acceptance of the products in the market, the introduction of competitive products and product development, commercialization and technological difficulties, and other risks detailed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
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