BioGlue(R) Surgical Adhesive Hits 500,000 Procedure Milestone Worldwide, Company Data...( ATLANTA June 29 /- CryoLife Inc. (NYS...),Health

ATLANTA, June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CryoLife, Inc., (NYSE: CRY) an implantable biological medical device and cardiovascular tissue processing company, today announced that, according to company data, CryoLife's BioGlue(R) Surgical Adhesive has been used in more than 500,000 surgical procedures throughout the world since its introduction into the international market in 1998 and in the United States in 2001. BioGlue is a leading surgical adhesive used in cardiovascular surgeries worldwide.

"I have been using BioGlue since its market introduction almost 10 years ago," said Dr. John W. Fehrenbacher, Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, Ind. "I have utilized BioGlue in over 1,000 patients undergoing a variety of cardiac procedures including valve replacements, aneurysm repair, and aortic dissection repair. I find that BioGlue is safe, easy to use, and because of its effectiveness at reducing anastomotic bleeding, has allowed me to change the way I perform many of my aortic aneurysm procedures."

A two-component adhesive, BioGlue creates a flexible, mechanical seal, independent of the body's clotting mechanism. BioGlue comes in a self-contained, disposable syringe that is available in 2mL, 5mL, and 10mL volumes. Ergonomically designed, the delivery system allows for simple preparation and ease of use.

"The use of BioGlue has continued to grow as surgeons around the globe have experienced its highly effective sealing properties during complex procedures," said Steven G. Anderson, president and CEO of CryoLife. "We anticipate the continued adoption of BioGlue as an essential component of the surgical toolkit, particularly as it is approved for additional indications."

BioGlue is currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an adjunct to sutures and staples for use in adult patie
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