DYONICS (TM) 25 Fluid Management System Provides Control Clinicians Seek During Arthroscopy Procedures

ANDOVER, Mass., Oct. 19  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew's (NYSE: SNN)(LSE:SN) Endoscopy division today announced the launch of its DYONICS 25 Fluid Management System, a pump for use during arthroscopy, minimally invasive surgery on joints.

A key component in any arthroscopic procedure, the pump controls the flow of sterile fluid into the joint being treated. This fluid distends the joint area, creating a work space for the surgeon. The pressure within the joint must be sustained, and be high enough to minimize the blood flow into the area so the surgeon's field of view remains clear.

The DYONICS 25 pump is designed to provide consistent pressure and accurate measurement, as well as for ease of use for surgeons, hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.

For example, twin transducers, or sensors, on the DYONICS 25 enable the control unit to m    The pump also features a variety of snap-in tube cartridges, which provide options depending on the medical facility's surgical volume. One option features a two-zone "day tubing" design, configured for centers that perform multiple procedures each day. One zone remains connected to the pump for the day, and the other is changed with each procedure, resulting in a lower cost per procedure.  A one-way valve in the day tubing prevents fluid transfer from one patient to another.

"Having a quality pump is essential in minimally invasive surgery, but surgical pumps in the marketplace today are typically difficult to set up, to use and to troubleshoot," said Dr. Joseph Abate of the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vt. "By comparison, the DYONICS 25 pump is strikingly simple to use, and maintains a clear field of view for all my procedures without a lot of adjustments to the equipment."

The fluid management system features a large, full-color touch screen control panel that enables surgical staff to customize settings, where necessary. The system defaults to settings most commonly used in arthroscopic procedures.

"Bringing a high-function pump to the marketplace has been a key factor in Smith & Nephew Endoscopy's growth strategy," said Jim Taylor, Endoscopy president. "Having a market-leading pump is critical to serving our surgeon customers, gaining new business and building upon our No. 1 position in the arthroscopy marketplace. We believe the DYONICS 25 Fluid Management System will go a long way toward accomplishing this."

About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedics, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products.  Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the fastest growing 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 has over 8,500 employees and operates in 33 countries around the world generating annual revenue of $2.3 billion.

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  Contact: Joe Metzger
           Smith & Nephew Endoscopy
           [phone]


DATASOURCE: Smith & Nephew



CONTACT: Joe Metzger of Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, [phone]



Web site: http://www.smith-nephew.com/ 

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