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Patients Treated for Chronic Tendinosis With TOPAZ(R) Highly Satisfied Study Shows

Posted on: Wednesday, 7 May 2008, 09:01 CDT

ArthroCare Corp. (Nasdaq: ARTC), a leader in developing state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical products, today announced results from its five-year study evaluating the effectiveness of the TOPAZ MicroDebrider to treat common tendon disorders, and concluded patients who had the minimally invasive procedure were highly satisfied with the procedure and continue to experience pain relief. Five-year study results were presented last month at the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) Annual Meeting in Washington D.C.

Initiated in 2003, "Radiofrequency Microtenotomy for Epicondylitis: Five-Year Follow-up and Proposed Mechanism of Action" evaluated the outcome of 82 patients treated for chronic tendinosis using the TOPAZ MicroDebrider. Assessment of pain relief was monitored over a period of one to five years for each patient and 95 percent of patients reported good to excellent results. All patients had symptoms of intractable medial and lateral epicondylitis where conservative treatment had previously failed. Patients reported early pain relief, an early return to activity and rapid return of grip strength.

"This procedure is technically simple to perform and has a rapid and uncomplicated recovery," said James P. Tasto, M.D., a surgeon with San Diego Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center, professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of California, San Diego, and one of the study's investigators. "Treatment utilizing the TOPAZ MicroDebrider offers a minimally invasive alternative for millions of patients for whom conservative therapies have failed."

Dr. Tasto presented the study at the AANA meeting and among his conclusions reported that multiple basic science studies performed over the last 7 years support the concept and mechanism of TOPAZ. "This technology shows promise for an array of applications," added Dr. Tasto. "During the same time period as the lateral epicondylitis study, patients were also being treated for a variety of tendon conditions in the elbow, foot and ankle, knee and shoulder with the TOPAZ wand and these patients had similar results."

"We are pleased Dr. Tasto's substantial patient population responded positively to TOPAZ treatment," said Jack Giroux, president of ArthroCare Sports Medicine. "While this particular study focused on the most common tendon-related complaint, TOPAZ is designed to treat most tendons throughout the body."

The TOPAZ MicroDebrider is a wand-like device about the diameter of a pencil tip. Through a small incision, generally an inch in length, the physician applies the device to the problem tendon for multiple 500 millisecond intervals of treatment. A precisely focused charged plasma created by a light dose of low-temperature radiofrequency energy is directed into the damaged tissues. From start to finish, the whole process takes less than 20 minutes. The procedure utilizes Coblation®, a patented technology that uses radiofrequency energy combined with saline solution to form a plasma that gently and precisely dissolves soft tissue at relatively low temperatures. This technology minimizes damage to adjacent, healthy tissue.

ABOUT ARTHROCARE

Founded in 1993, ArthroCare Corporation (www.arthrocare.com) is a highly innovative, multi-business medical device company that develops, manufactures and markets minimally invasive surgical products. With these products, ArthroCare targets a multi-billion dollar market opportunity across several medical specialties, significantly improving existing surgical procedures and enabling new, minimally invasive procedures. Many of ArthroCare's products are based on its patented Coblation® technology, which uses low-temperature radiofrequency energy to gently and precisely dissolve rather than burn soft tissue -- minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Used in more than four million surgeries worldwide, Coblation®-based devices have been developed and marketed for sports medicine; spine/neurologic; ear, nose and throat (ENT); cosmetic; urologic and gynecologic procedures. ArthroCare also has added a number of novel technologies to its portfolio, including Opus Medical sports medicine, Parallax spine and Applied Therapeutics ENT products, to complement Coblation® within key indications.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTS

Except for historical information, this press release includes forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, the company's stated business outlook for fiscal 2008, continued strength of the company's fundamental position, the strength of the company's technology, the company's belief that strategic moves will enhance achievement of the company's long term potential, the potential and expected rate of growth of new businesses, continued success of product diversification efforts, and other statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the uncertainty of success of the company's non-arthroscopic products, competitive risk, uncertainty of the success of strategic business alliances, uncertainty over reimbursement, need for governmental clearances or approvals before selling products, the uncertainty of protecting the company's patent position, and any changes in financial results from completion of year-end audit activities. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including ArthroCare's Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007. Forward-looking statements are indicated by words or phrases such as "anticipates,""estimates,""projects,""believes,""intends,""expects," and similar words and phrases. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations.

Source: Business Wire

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