ArthroCare Launches Tiny Device for Small Joint Surgery; Microblator Combines Ablation and Shrinkage Functionality.SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 18, 1999-- ArthroCare Corp. (Nasdaq:ARTC ARTC Arthrocare Corp (stock symbol) ARTC Australian Rail Track Corporation ARTC Air Route Traffic Control ARTC Association de la Recherche Theatrale au Canada ARTC Andean Root and Tuber Crops ) today introduced the Microblator(TM) ArthroWand(R), a Coblation(R)-based disposable surgical device designed to provide arthroscopic access to the limited space in small joints of the wrist, ankle, and elbow. At 1.5 millimeters in diameter, the Microblator device is significantly smaller than the company's other arthroscopic surgical devices and is the smallest diameter radio frequency arthroscopic surgical device on the market. In addition, the Microblator ArthroWand is a versatile tool that combines Coblation-based ablation ablation /ab·la·tion/ (-shun) 1. separation or detachment; extirpation; eradication. 2. removal or destruction, especially by cutting. ab·la·tion n. and dissection dissection /dis·sec·tion/ (di-sek´shun) 1. the act of dissecting. 2. a part or whole of an organism prepared by dissecting. with tissue shrinkage and coagulation coagulation (kōăg'y  lā`shən), the collecting into a mass of minute particles of a solid dispersed throughout a liquid (a sol), usually followed by the precipitation or capability in a single tool.
Before the introduction of the Microblator ArthroWand, most small joint injuries required open surgical intervention. Few surgical devices were designed to meet the challenges posed by the tiny spaces and tight tolerances in the small joints of the body. The Microblator's slim-line design facilitates smooth portal entry in arthroscopic small joint procedures and is small enough to fit exactly where it is needed within the joint. In addition, the narrow shaft of the device is malleable malleable /mal·le·a·ble/ (mal´e-ah-b'l) susceptible of being beaten out into a thin plate. mal·le·a·ble adj. 1. Capable of being shaped or formed, as by hammering or pressure. , allowing a surgeon to bend the Microblator up to 50 degrees for increased maneuverability in the tightest joint spaces. "The Microblator ArthroWand is a substantial advance in arthroscopic surgery Arthroscopic Surgery Definition Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure to visualize, diagnose, and treat joint problems. The name is derived from the Greek words arthron, which means joint, and skopein, which means to look at. and another indication of ArthroCare's commitment to increase treatment possibilities," said Michael A. Baker Michael Allen Baker (Captain, USN, Ret.) is the International Space Station Program Manager for International and Crew Operations, at NASA's Johnson Space Center. He is responsible for the coordination of program operations, integration and flight crew training and support , ArthroCare's president and chief executive officer. "Orthopedic surgeons now have the option of performing arthroscopic surgery on the small joints of the body, and patients with small joint injuries may benefit from the clinical advantages of Coblation-based surgery, such as less painful and faster recovery." ArthroCare's soft-tissue surgery systems allow surgeons to operate with increased precision and accuracy, limiting damage to surrounding tissue, thereby potentially reducing pain and speeding recovery for the patient. The company's products operate at lower temperatures than traditional electrosurgical or laser surgery tools and enable surgeons to remove or shrink soft tissue and to simultaneously seal bleeding vessels. Except for historical information, this press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limiy's market position, and risks as detailed from Nov. 16, 1999. Such statements are indicated by words or phrases such as "anticipates," "estimates," "projetations. The company disclaims any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained hereproducts based on its patented Coblation technoves its Coblation technology can replace the multiple surgical tools traditionally used in soft tissue surger's systems are used to perform many types of arthroscopic surgery. The company's strategy includes applying its patented Coblation technology to a broad range of other soft-tissue surgical markets, including cosmetic surgery cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes, such as the improvement of the appearance of the face by removing wrinkles or reshaping the nose. , ear, nose and throat surgery, spinal surgery and various cardiology cardiology Medical specialty dealing with heart diseases and disorders. It began with the 1749 publication by Jean Baptiste de Sénac of contemporary knowledge of the heart. Diagnostic methods improved in the 19th century, and in 1905 the electrocardiograph was invented. applications. |
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