New Code Represents a Major Step in Securing Widespread Reimbursement

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Nov. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The German Ministry of Health has published a new and unique procedure code for Dune Medical's MarginProbe System, which becomes effective on January 1, 2012.  Use of this procedure code is the first step in securing reimbursement for new medical technologies from the German Ministry of Health and will facilitate determination of cost effectiveness and cost benefit of the MarginProbe System, currently in use at a number of breast cancer centers in Germany. The MarginProbe System allows surgeons to detect microscopic cancer intraoperatively, allowing the surgeon to remove all the cancer in a single surgery and dramatically reduce the need for repeat surgeries.

"This decision by the German Ministry of Health is another step in the successful implementation of our European marketing strategy for MarginProbe," said Dan Levangie, CEO of Dune Medical.  "As demonstrated in a number of breast cancer centers in Germany, the MarginProbe System enables patients to avoid unnecessary surgeries, thereby improving quality of life and reducing costs.  This procedure code will allow the Ministry to document these substantial benefits, and arrive at the appropriate level of reimbursement for the MarginProbe System."

Between 20-40% of patients having a lumpectomy for breast cancer will require more than one surgery to remove all the cancer.  Results of a multicenter clinical study of the MarginProbe System in Germany, recently presented at the Forum for Operative Gynecology in Berlin, demonstrated that use of MarginProbe System led to more than a 50% reduction in unnecessary repeat surgeries for lumpectomy patients. 

About the MarginProbe System

The MarginProbe System enables real time detection of cancer at or near the surface of excised tissue specimens during surgery for breast cancer.  The simple and immediate assessment of the surgical margins allows surgeons to immediately excise additional tissue, potentially saving a second procedure.

About Dune Medical Devices

Dune Medical Devices was founded in 2002 by Dr. Dan Hashimshony to realize the extraordinary medical potential of its proprietary tissue characterization technology.  Offering surgeons and radiologists the real time ability to identify cancerous tissues and react immediately, this technology holds the promise for a broad range of surgical and diagnostic applications.  The MarginProbe System is Dune's first commercial product and is commercially available in Europe.  The MarginProbe device is an investigational device in the U.S.

Dune Medical Devices is a privately held company financed by Apax Partners since 2004.  It has offices in the U.S., Israel, Germany and Switzerland.  For more information, please visit www.dunemedical.com.      

Contact:
Michael Graffeo
Dune Medical Devices
Michael.graffeo@dunemedical.com
(508) 620-2782

SOURCE Dune Medical Devices

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