Smith & Nephew Launches VISIONAIRE(TM) Patient Matched Technology for Total Knee R...( MEMPHIS Tenn. Feb. 23 /- Smith &a...)

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew, Inc. (NYSE: SNN, LSE: SN) Orthopaedic Reconstruction & Trauma today announced the introduction of VISIONAIRE Patient Matched instrumentation for use in total knee replacement surgery. The VISIONAIRE system is proprietary technology that uses a patient's MRI and x-rays to create custom surgical instrumentation for use with the Smith & Nephew portfolio of high performance knee implants.

By using instruments designed from each patient's anatomical data, surgeons can accommodate the unique shapes and angles of the joint while precisely aligning the implant. The disposable, patient-specific instruments help surgeons eliminate multiple steps and valuable minutes from knee replacement surgery, thus decreasing the risk of infection as well as the amount of time a patient is under anesthesia.

Additionally, the VISIONAIRE system helps hospitals reduce expenses as it eliminates the sterilization costs associated with the traditional, reusable instruments it replaces.

"VISIONAIRE instrumentation is a mutually beneficial technology for patients, surgeons, hospitals and Smith & Nephew," said Joseph DeVivo, president of Smith & Nephew Orthopaedic Reconstruction & Trauma. "The VISIONAIRE system is a core component of our strategy. Patient matched technology is the future of orthopedics and the future of Smith & Nephew, and this launch represents the start of our efforts."

VISIONAIRE technology received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2008 and will be launched in targeted US markets throughout 2009. The company is working to expand its use of this proprietary technology across its portfolio of high performance implants for knee and hip replacement and resurfacing.