Smith & Nephew Introduces New Biologic to Speed Healing

MEMPHIS, Tenn. and SAN FRANCISCO, March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew, Inc.'s Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies business today announced the U.S. launch of the CAPTION(TM) Disposable Platelet Concentration System. The CAPTION system simplifies and expedites the collection of platelet rich concentrate (PRC) and eliminates cross- contamination risks.

The CAPTION system is used by the surgical staff to concentrate the platelets from a sample of the patient's blood. Platelets are round cell fragments in the blood that are responsible for initiation of the body's natural healing process. When the concentrated platelets are applied to the surgical site, they may help jump start the body's natural healing response.

The CAPTION system creates a PRC of up to four times the original level and takes 40% less time than standard centrifugation. Furthermore, the disposable CAPTION system arrives sterile and all materials are disposed after use, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination. The PRC made by the CAPTION system consists of platelet cells suspended in a proprietary solution.

"Until now the preparation of platelet rich concentrate has been burdensome for my surgical staff," says Dr. Steven Moran from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. "Fortunately, the new CAPTION system allows for the simple and rapid collection of platelet rich concentrate, without the hassle of a centrifuge."

The CAPTION system was developed by Smith & Nephew scientists and innovation teams based at the company's Research Center in York, UK, and at the Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies Global Business Unit in Memphis, Tenn.

"We are proud to be able to offer this new technology to our customers. The product application is universal because platelets naturally aid in the healing process of multiple tissue types," said Mark Augusti, president of Smith & Nephew Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies. "CAPTION is also a great example of what great things two cutting-edge teams can accomplish for the good of our customers and their patients."

The CAPTION system joins the company's biologic portfolio, which includes the EXOGEN 4000+(TM) ultrasound bone healing system and SUPARTZ(R) treatment the world's number one joint fluid therapy for pain reduction of the knee.

(TM) Trademark of Smith & Nephew. SUPARTZ is a registered trademark of the Seikagaku Corporation. About us

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies, Orthopaedic Reconstruction, 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 32 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2007 were nearly $3.4 billion.

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