New technology from Smith & Nephew offers more efficient uterine fibroid removal

LONDON, Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith & Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology business, today introduced the newest addition to its innovative TRUCLEAR™ System, the TRUCLEAR ULTRA Reciprocating Morcellator 4.0. Designed specifically for removing uterine fibroids, a health issue that will impact an estimated 80% of womenⁱ, this new device provides surgeons with a fast, efficient solution for a hysteroscopic procedure that can help patients avoid the possibility of a hysterectomy, or surgical removal of the uterus.

With a precision-engineered cutting edge and a uniquely designed tip that allows surgeons to access harder-to-reach fibroids, the TRUCLEAR ULTRA Reciprocating Morcellator 4.0 offers a resection rate more than twice that of the leading competitor (laboratory testing on analog tissueⁱⁱ). Also, because TRUCLEAR ULTRA removes fibroids through hysteroscopic morcellation, or mechanical cutting, it requires no incisions or electrical energy to be used in the uterus and can be performed as an outpatient procedure.

"With the TRUCLEAR System, I have the confidence to safely and effectively resect submucosal fibroids and endometrial polyps under constant visualization," says David A. Stone, M.D., FACOG, who practices in metropolitan Detroit. "While using the TRUCLEAR ULTRA, I was able to remove a 2.5 centimeter diameter submucosal fibroid in a matter of a few minutes. Using this system can help preserve a woman's future fertility by minimizing damage to the uterus."

Uterine fibroids are estimated to cost the U.S. healthcare system over $6 billion every yearⁱⁱⁱ. The most common surgical recommendation for these non-cancerous growths is to remove the uterus through a hysterectomy. For women, a hysterectomy means a hospital stay, four to eight weeks of recovery time, the added risk of infection, and the potential for long-term physical and psychological effects.

"Fibroids are one of the most significant diseases that women face," explains Mira Sahney, General Manager, Gynecology for Smith & Nephew. "Our new device offers a woman with uterine fibroids a considerably less invasive treatment option that may help preserve her ability to have children."

Smith & Nephew has a growing presence in the market to provide women with less-invasive treatment options for uterine care. The company continues to innovate in this area and provides surgeons with options for performing polypectomies and myomectomies safely and effectively under continuous, clear visualization.

About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business dedicated to helping improve people's lives.  With leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma, Smith & Nephew has almost 11,000 employees and a presence in more than 90 countries. Annual sales in 2011 were nearly $4.3 billion.  Smith & Nephew is a member of the FTSE100 (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN).

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ⁱ US Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Woman's Health: Uterine fibroids fact sheet, http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/uterine-fibroids.cfm

ⁱⁱ Data on file with Smith & Nephew 2012, Reference 15001615.

ⁱⁱⁱ James Segars, M.D., et.al.; Dec. 20, 2011, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology online

SOURCE Smith & Nephew