Smith & Nephew Endoscopy Launches New, Reusable Cannula Line for Hip A...( ANDOVER Mass. May 19 /- Smith & N...)

ANDOVER, Mass., May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew's (NYSE: SNN; LSE: SN) Endoscopy Division today announced the launch of the ARTHROGARDE(TM) Hip Access Cannula, designed to prevent inadvertent damage to soft tissue that can occur during arthroscopic hip repair surgery.

During arthroscopy, surgeons frequently use a cannula to create a sterile pathway to the joint. They insert specialized devices through the cannula to diagnose and, if needed, repair damaged tissue in the joint. One challenge for surgeons has long been accessing the difficult-to-reach hip joint cavity without damaging the delicate cartilage surfaces within the joint.

The rounded ends of the ARTHROGARDE Hip Access Cannula provide a smooth surface to protect soft tissue as it penetrates the hip and enters the joint socket. The cannula wall has been thickened to provide additional strength and prevent bending or wear and tear over time.

"Surgeons are keenly aware of the potential for instrument-induced damage due to the nature of the hip anatomy," said Lisa Donnelly, Smith & Nephew Endoscopy's market manager for hip repair. "We have learned a great deal since producing the first generation of cannulas for hip arthroscopy, and with ARTHROGARDE, we've put that experience to good use for the benefit of our surgeons and their patients."

The line includes reusable closed cannulas in three sizes (4.5mm, 5.0mm, 5.5mm), as well as a slotted cannula which allows the surgeon to utilize larger, and/or curved instruments which do not fit down a standard closed cannula. The slotted cannula features a spoon-like design at the tip to provide cartilage protection. The Slotted Hip Access Cannula has a redesigned grip that makes the cannula more stable
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