Ascension Orthopedics Pyrocarbon Implants Featured on Discovery Channel

AUSTIN, Texas, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascension Orthopedics, Inc., a leader in orthopedic extremity implants, announces that the company's PyroCarbon products will be featured in the educational series "Health Heroes," airing Wednesday, April 14 on the Discovery Channel.

The program segment highlights benefits of using PyroCarbon implants to help arthritis patients improve joint function and reduce pain. Literature and testing demonstrate that PyroCarbon exhibits excellent wear and biocompatibility traits when compared to traditional arthroplasty materials such as silicone, ceramic and metal. Follow-up results show the effectiveness of PyroCarbon implants in relieving pain and improving motion.

Jerome J. Klawitter, Ph.D., founder of Ascension Orthopedics and Chief Scientific Officer, is interviewed in the segment. Between his work in the orthopedic and heart valve industries, Klawitter has over 30 years of clinical experience using PyroCarbon to develop innovative products that meet patient needs.

"Since our earliest efforts in 1977 with the Mayo Clinic, we have been using this strong, low-friction, and biologically inert material to revolutionize joint replacement. Patients may now have diseased joints replaced with anatomically-designed implants made from a body-friendly material," states Klawitter.

Thomas J. Graham, M.D., Chief of The Curtis National Hand Center, and his patient, Saul Dekelbaum, are also interviewed. Dr. Graham is a recognized leader in upper extremity surgery and an experienced user of Ascension's PyroCarbon implants.

"Any type of material that allows the surgeon to match typical biologic tissue gives an advantage that we can pass along to the patient, allowing them to have a lifetime of good function and comfort," Dr. Graham says. "We rely on the engineering advancements of industry, like the introduction of PyroCarbon into the small joints, to make sure that we remain contemporary and are able to give patients those benefits."

"Health Heroes" airs April 14 on the Discovery Channel at 7:00 a.m. EDT/6:00 a.m. CDT and at 7:00 a.m. PDT.  The series is written with both the industry professional and television audience in mind.

Ascension Orthopedics currently has 10 PyroCarbon products sold in the U.S. and 23 countries worldwide. Over 30,000 PyroCarbon extremity joints have been implanted to date, including options for the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder and foot. Ascension's mission is to transform extremities by developing state-of-the-art orthopedic products for the upper and lower limbs to help patients suffering from pain and dysfunction. For further information, please visit http://www.ascensionortho.com/.

SOURCE Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.