Smith & Nephew New DYONICS(TM) RF System Enables Surgeons to Quickly and Precisely Remove Soft Tissue Using RF Energy

ANDOVER, Mass., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew's (NYSE: SNN; LSE: SN) Endoscopy Division today announced the launch of the DYONICS™ RF System, which incorporates a compact generator with a family of probes for aggressively removing defects and smoothing soft tissue during arthroscopic surgery.

The system complements Smith & Nephew Endoscopy's existing portfolio of resection systems, which include the DYONICS POWER II Control System for mechanical resection, and the VULCAN™ System for specialized radiofrequency (RF) tissue removal.

RF energy can remove damaged soft tissue, coagulate bleeding vessels, smooth rough cartilage, and shrink inflamed soft tissue in weight-bearing joints such as the knee, shoulder and hip.

"The DYONICS RF System provides the control -- the power and the precision -- to effectively remove tissue while eliminating bubbles, helping to improve visualization during the procedure. Additionally, the system is very easy to use," said Dr. Scott Trenhaile, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford.

The system initially includes five specialized probes, the most versatile of which is the DYONICS RF-S WHIRLWIND™ 90 degree Probe that is used to resect soft tissue and coagulate bleeding vessels in the knee, shoulder and hip. The WHIRLWIND Probe incorporates a high-flow suction feature to quickly pull bubbles and free-floating debris from the procedure site, ensuring that the surgeon has a clear view of the joint.

Dr. Jose-Luis Avila-Lafuente, Hospital MAZ, Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Unit, Zaragoza, Spain was pleased with how fast and powerful the DYONICS RF-S WHIRLWIND Probe was able to remove tissue.  "The probe offers a clear field of view and excellent coagulation capabilities," Dr. Avila-Lafuente commented.  "More importantly, what convinced me to convert was the potential patient benefits.  The new system produces less heat than other systems while still providing the aggressive tissue removal I need."

"This self-contained DYONICS RF System is compact and aggressive enough for both small clinics and large medical facilities that perform multiple arthroscopy procedures each day," said Courtney Manthei, associate market manager for Resection at Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. "Surgeons who have used this device in their procedures said they appreciate the control that it provides, especially when working in difficult to reach areas of the joint."

About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specialising in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Trauma and Clinical Therapies, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products.  Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The Company operates in 31 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2009 were $3.8 billion.

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SOURCE Smith & Nephew