American Medical Systems, Inc. (AMS) today announced that the International GreenLightTM Users (IGLU) Group has recently completed a supplement to the April 2008 issue of European Urology, the official journal of the European Association of Urology, on use of the GreenLight High Performance SystemTM (HPS) laser for Photoselective Vaporization of the ProstateTM (PVP). The supplement marks the first compilation of published research on GreenLight HPS for the group.
The IGLU group is an independently formed collaboration of physicians and researchers from nine centers around the world with extensive experience in PVP laser therapy. The Group was established to research, share and present information on the optimal use of, and outcomes for, PVP.
Founded in 2006, IGLU has devoted itself to identifying and disseminating best practices for the GreenLight laser, a minimally invasive treatment option for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) that combines the effectiveness of traditional Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) surgery with fewer side effects. IGLU is comprised of physicians and scientists on the staffs of renowned medical research centers in Australia, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands and United Kingdom, as well as U. S. centers in California, Massachusetts and New York.
The focus of IGLU over the last two years has been to study clinical techniques for GreenLight HPS, a new iteration of the GreenLight laser that generates up to 120–watts of 532 nanometer laser light using a lithium triborate crystal. GreenLight HPS allows for consistent and sustainable vaporization over a large range of working distances, anatomy configurations and tissue composition. Its increased tissue removal with each pass of the beam allows for shorter procedure time and more efficient treatment of large glands; yet the physical properties of HPS remain consistent with its predecessor, the GreenLight PVTM laser.
The April 2008 European Urology supplement begins with an introduction by Reza S. Malek, MD, Professor Emeritus of Urology at Mayo Clinic. The four IGLU studies include:
- J. de la Rosette, E. Collins, A. Bachmann, B. Choi, G. Muir, O. Reich, F. Gomez Sancha, S. Tabatabaei, H. Woo, "Historical Aspects of Laser Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia"
- G. Muir, F. Gomez Sancha, A. Bachmann, B. Choi, E. Collins, J. de la Rosette, O. Reich, S. Tabatabaei, H. Woo, "Techniques and Training with GreenLight HPS 120–W Laser Therapy of the Prostate: Position Paper"
- H. Woo, O. Reich, A. Bachmann, B. Choi, E. Collins, J. de la Rosette, F. Gomez Sancha, G. Muir, S. Tabatabaei, "Outcome of GreenLight HPS 120–W Laser Therapy in Specific Patient Populations: Those in Retention, on Anticoagulants, and with Large Prostates (≥ 80 ml)"
- B. Choi, S. Tabatabaei, A. Bachmann, E. Collins, J. de la Rosette, F. Gomez Sancha, G. Muir, O. Reich, H. Woo, "GreenLight HPS 120–W Laser for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Comparative Complications and Technical Recommendations"
"IGLU has been instrumental in establishing best practices for improved patient outcomes and reduced complications with GreenLight lasers," said Ross Longhini, Chief Operating Officer at American Medical Systems. "Through its exhaustive research, GreenLight users around the world have gained a better understanding of the efficacy, technical aspects and safety of GreenLight lasers, as well as the needs and considerations of specialized patient populations. AMS appreciates IGLU´s dedication, expertise and involvement."
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 treat approximately 310,000 patients in 2007.
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 2007 and its other SEC filings.
