Integra LifeSciences Announces Commercial Launch of Paramount(R) Pedicle Screw (PS) System for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

PLAINSBORO, N.J., March 12, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Integra LifeSciences (Nasdaq:IART) announced today the U.S. commercial launch of Integra Spine’s Paramount® Pedicle Screw (PS) Fixation System for minimally invasive spine surgery. Previously, the Paramount® PS system was available to a select group of Paramount® PS users. With the completion of a national training effort, the Paramount® PS system is now available nationwide through Integra Spine’s independent distribution network.

“Our nationwide training program for the Paramount® PS system has been very successful,” said Stuart Essig, CEO of Integra LifeSciences. “We’re pleased that we are now able to offer surgeons throughout the United States a more patient-friendly, less invasive system for spine surgery.”

An estimated 470,000 thoraco-lumbar fusions will be performed in the United States in 2010 to treat spinal disorders. Spine surgeons typically perform these procedures using highly invasive open techniques. The Paramount® system gives surgeons a minimally invasive option to place the pedicle screws through a percutaneous tube. Patient benefits may include faster procedures, reduced blood loss, less tissue trauma and postoperative pain, and a shorter hospital stay.

One of the Paramount® system’s unique features is its rod delivery system, wherein the rod is already attached to the polyaxial head, helping to streamline the surgical procedure and reduce the number of operative steps for the surgeon. The system also features a novel compression/distraction system and a robust rod reduction system. Additionally, the advanced Paramount® screw delivery system uses a proprietary non-cannulated screw design with a K-wire guided tip for accurate screw placement and enhanced screw strength.

Integra Spine is a leading provider of fusion implants and orthobiologics used in spinal surgery. Visit www.integraspine.com for more information.

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation, a world leader in regenerative medicine, is a global medical device company dedicated to improving the quality of life for millions of patients every year. The company’s products are used primarily in orthopedics, neurosurgery and general surgery. Headquartered in Plainsboro, New Jersey, Integra has research and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. For more information visit www.integra-ls.com.  

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the future use of the Paramount® system. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from predicted or expected results. Among other things, the willingness of physicians to use this product may affect the prospects for its use in clinical procedures.  In addition, the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified under the heading “Risk Factors” included in Item IA of Integra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and information contained in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect actual results.

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CONTACT:  Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation
          Gianna Sabella, Director of Corporate Communications
          (609) 936-2389
          gsabella@integra-LS.com