Arthrocare Receives Approval to Market Arthroscopy System in Japan.SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--May 12, 1999-- ArthroCare Corporation (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :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 announced the company has received notification of approval by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare The Ministry of Health and Welfare is a branch of the government of South Korea. External links
• • to market the company's Coblation(TM)-based arthroscopy Arthroscopy Definition Arthroscopy is the examination of a joint, specifically, the inside structures. The procedure is performed by inserting a specifically designed illuminated device into the joint through a small incision. products in Japan. Sales efforts will begin immediately through ArthroCare's exclusive Japanese distributor, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. "We are excited to be introducing the Japanese physician community to the benefits of our unique Coblation technology," 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. "Our partner, Kobayashi, has been working hard over the past months preparing arthroscopic surgeons throughout Japan for the introduction of this exciting technology. A full product launch is scheduled to begin immediately." The Japanese arthroscopy market is estimated to represent more than 200,000 procedures annually. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical is a 110-year old $1.5 billion health care company. Its medical device distribution business is one of Japan's largest, with annual revenues exceeding $130 million, more than 200 sales representatives, and offices in every major Japanese city. ArthroCare has developed a broad technology platform for operating on soft tissue. The technology is based on a patented method of tissue removal, called Coblation technology, that is designed to improve the effectiveness and safety of standard surgical methods. Coblation technology uses radio frequency (RF) energy to remove tissue through a significantly cooler process than is possible with traditional electro-or laser-surgery. Coblation-assisted surgery has the potential to improve operative precision and efficiency compared with many standard surgical techniques and thereby reduce pain and speed recovery. Except for historical information, this press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risk that the company's Coblation-based arthroscopy products will not receive broad acceptance in Japan, technological advantages, establishment of brand identity, and risks as detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including ArthroCare's Form 10-K Form 10-K A report required by the SEC from exchange-listed companies that provides for annual disclosure of certain financial information. Form 10-K See 10-K. for the year ended January 2, 1999. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations. ArthroCare Corporation is a medical device company redefining the standard in soft tissue surgery by developing, manufacturing, and marketing patented Coblation(TM) technology that allows surgeons to operate with increased precision and accuracy, with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. The company's systems are being used to perform many types of closed joint surgery, and have also been commercialized for 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. and ear, nose and throat (ENT ENT ears, nose, and throat (otorhinolaryngology). ENT abbr. ear, nose, and throat ENT ear, nose and throat. ENT Ears, nose & throat; formally, otorhinolaryngology ) surgery. ArthroCare's long-term strategy includes applying its patented platform technology to a broad range of other soft tissue surgical fields including various cardiology applications, urology urology Medical specialty dealing with the urinary system and male reproductive organs. It traces its origin to medieval lithologists, itinerant healers who specialized in surgical removal of bladder stones. , gynecology, and oral and general surgery. ArthroCare's web site can be found at www.arthrocare.com. |
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