Smith & Nephew Introduces New Hysteroscopic Morcellation Simulator Designed to Enhance Surgeon Training

ANDOVER, Mass., Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith & Nephew plc (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology business, today announced the introduction of its TRUCLEAR™ SIM Morcellation Simulator, a highly-realistic, hands-on simulator designed to improve training for gynecologists who perform hysteroscopic morcellation, a procedure to remove intrauterine polyps and fibroids.  In 2011 alone, over one million women will seek treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding due to these pathologies.

The simulator is being showcased at the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) 20th Annual Congress in London from September 21-24.  

Traditional hysteroscopic morcellation training is performed in labs using silicone uterine models, which cannot accurately simulate conditions that can arise during a procedure, such as fluid management dynamics. The TRUCLEAR SIM Morcellation Simulator allows the surgeon to use Smith & Nephew's TRUCLEAR System combined with a realistic virtual simulation – effectively replicating a procedure. The TRUCLEAR System is a first-of-its kind device that pairs the visualization capabilities of a hysteroscope with minimally invasive tissue removal capabilities, allowing a fast and thorough capture and removal of intrauterine polyps and fibroids.

Upon completion of the virtual procedure, the simulator objectively evaluates the gynecologist on various metrics including safety, pathology removal, procedure efficiency and visualization skills to help assess performance.

"I am thrilled that Smith & Nephew is introducing the new TRUCLEAR SIM Morcellation Simulator which will enable medical students, residents and practicing physicians to perform virtual hysteroscopic morcellation polypectomies and myomectomies," said Larry Glazerman, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at University of South Florida Health. "Since patient outcomes are the most important part of any procedure, it is an incredible opportunity for gynecologists to perfect their technique prior to ever touching a patient."

Mira Sahney, general manager, gynecology for Smith & Nephew stated, "As a leader and innovator in hysteroscopic morcellation, Smith & Nephew is always looking for ways to expand on its expertise and provide world-class training to physicians. The TRUCLEAR SIM Morcellation Simulator is a great tool to help increase gynecologist exposure to this innovative procedure."

The simulator will be showcased at several key industry events throughout the remainder of 2011 and also be used to train surgeons attending Smith & Nephew's hysteroscopic morcellation surgeon education courses.

Contact:

Media
Joe Metzger
Smith & Nephew
(978) 749-1330
[email protected]

Investor/Analyst
Phil Cowdy
Smith & Nephew
44 (0)20 7401 7646

About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business with global leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine, Trauma and Clinical Therapies. The Company has distribution channels, purchasing agents and buying entities in over 90 countries worldwide. Annual sales in 2010 were nearly $4.0 billion.

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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, statements regarding planned growth in our business and in our operating margins discussed under "Outlook" are forward-looking statements as are discussions of our product pipeline. These statements, as well as the phrases "aim", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "well-placed", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "consider" and similar expressions, are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors (including, but not limited to, the outcome of litigation and regulatory approvals) that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Smith & Nephew, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Please refer to the documents that Smith & Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith & Nephew's most recent annual report on Form 20F, for a discussion of certain of these factors.

All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Smith & Nephew as of the date hereof. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Smith & Nephew or any person acting on behalf of Smith & Nephew are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing. Smith & Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Smith & Nephew's expectation with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

SOURCE Smith & Nephew

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