Empresas y finanzas

American Medical Systems Has Initiated a Clinical Evaluation for a New Minimally Invasive Sling Intended to Treat Female Stress Urinary Incontinence



    American Medical Systems Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMMD) announced
    today that it has received FDA clearance and CE mark for the
    MiniArc(TM) Single Incision Sling System, a new, less invasive
    treatment for female stress urinary incontinence. AMS has already
    begun enrolling patients in a clinical evaluation to better understand
    safety, efficacy and physician training needs. MiniArc is the latest
    addition to the AMS family of sling products, which includes the
    market-leading Monarc(R) Transobturator Subfascial Hammock, the
    SPARC(R) Suprapubic Sling System and the innovative BioArc(R) hybrid
    slings.

    The MiniArc sling system involves a simple, single incision
    procedure designed to reduce operative invasiveness and enhance
    patient recovery. MiniArc incorporates the proven mesh used in other
    AMS slings with a simple-to-use delivery system for easy mesh
    placement without additional skin incisions required with most other
    sling procedures. It is designed for use in the operating room;
    however, its low profile design and simple procedure may also make it
    appropriate for in-office use. AMS intends to study an office based
    application for the MiniArc.

    MiniArc is currently being evaluated in a limited number of global
    sites to provide physicians the opportunity to assess the
    effectiveness and ease-of-use of this innovative device prior to broad
    distribution. Martin J. Emerson, President and CEO of AMS, commented,
    "We are very excited about the potential of the MiniArc sling;
    however, we intend to meet our commitment to physicians and patients
    to provide clinical information supporting its use before we make the
    product widely available. This approach worked well for us with
    Apogee(R) and Perigee(R), and we will follow a similar path to market
    with MiniArc as well. We look forward to completing our evaluation and
    introducing MiniArc globally later this year."

    Professor Dirk J.M.K. De Ridder, MD, PhD, of University Hospitals
    KU Leuven, Belgium, the first surgeon to implant MiniArc, said, "I am
    pleased with the outcome of the initial implants. MiniArc has a simple
    design and is easy to use. The fixation system provides strong holding
    force, allowing for effective tissue integration and healing into the
    mesh. I like the fact that AMS chose to use the same proven mesh that
    has been so successful in their other products."

    Ross A. Longhini, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
    Officer of AMS, added, "AMS is committed to continuing our leadership
    position in this market by providing physicians with a less-invasive
    technology to treat female stress urinary incontinence. The breadth of
    our product line signifies our commitment to meeting the changing
    trends in this environment. We are excited about the strength of our
    product pipeline and continuing to work with physicians on next
    generation technologies."

    About American Medical Systems

    American Medical Systems, headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota,
    is a diversified supplier of medical devices and procedures to cure
    erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, incontinence,
    menorrhagia, prolapse and other pelvic disorders in men and women.
    These disorders can significantly diminish one's quality of life and
    profoundly affect social relationships. In recent years, the number of
    people seeking treatment has increased markedly as a result of longer
    lives, higher quality-of-life expectations and greater awareness of
    new treatment alternatives. American Medical Systems' products reduce
    or eliminate the incapacitating effects of these diseases, often
    through minimally invasive therapies. The Company's products were used
    to provide approximately 240,000 patient cures in 2006.

    More information about the Company and its products can be found
    at its website www.AmericanMedicalSystems.com and in the Company's
    Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2006 and its other SEC filings.