LYC's bipolar foreceps can be used as an alternative to
mechanical clamping (lips or staples) and suturing
and used on veins and arteries.
J&J ,Ethicon unit divisions report for 2007 shows that worldwide sales grew 6% and the U.S. up 7% and outside the
U.S grew 5%. with solid growth in sutures and double digit
growth in hemostats and mesh products were a growth contributor during the quarter
In the January issue of Medmarkets with excerpts from
"Worldwide Surgical Sealnats,Glues and Wound Closure,
2007-2011,Report #S145
"The market for surgical sealants is expected to grow double digits over the next 5 yearsas aging populations drive increases in caseloads.In addition less morbidity and better outcomes are seen with the latest fibfin sealants,high strength glues and adhesion prevention products ,thus spurring
increased adoption of these technolgies over traditional wound closure methods."
"Some leading companies in the wound closure market established their leadership positions when the market
consisted exclusively of sutures ,staples,and tapes;
others are new entrants based on expertise in such areas
such as adhesives.While fibrin sealant market is dominated
by Baxter Healthcare and CSL Behring,the high-strength glue
segment is led by U.S.Surgical (now part of Covidien),Ethicon,
and Aesculap(a B.Braun company).Key players in the adhesion prevention products market are Ethicon,U.S. Surgical and Genzyme."
"The commerical importance of wound closure and adhesion
prevention products is directly linked to clinical need
which is reflected in the numbers of procedures that can benefit from imporved wound closure and adhesion prevention
technology."
"Approximtely 10 Million cardiovascular procedures in the U.S. have the potential to benefit from improved hemostsis.
In an estimated 1.5Million procedures ,these products can make a major contribution in the work of the surgeon in carrying out a safe procedure with minimal risk from blood transfusion
and complications assciated with loss of blood."
" There are over 9 Million musculeoskeletal operations worldwide(approximately 4 Million involve minimally invasvie
arthroscopy or are closed fractures".
"Gynecological and urological procedures include transurethral
prostrate resections,bladder surgery,prostratecutomy,hysterectomy,
and srugical resection of adhesions,as well as caesarean
sections.Hemostasis and sealing in these procedures is critical to prevent complications that can result in excessive
bleeding.Neurosurgery (4 Million procedures in the U.S.) is highly vulnerable to the effects associated with healing:
inflammation,angiogenesis,and generation of fibrous tissue-
all attributes of normal tissue repair-cause problems for -neural tissue.
Effective hemostasis and sealing of blood can avoid these traumatic effects and are vital to morbidity.
Most traumatic wounds offer potential to be appropriately
treated with hemostats,sealants and glues.Many lacerations can be treated with high strength glue products,this would avoid
the secondary visist to the medical center for removal of sutures and associated costs.For example ,conservative estimates of ER costs for closure of a small bleeding
trauma laceration with sutures (including local anesthesia
antibiotic cream and suture removal kit) are approximately $75
before labor and time included.
Further,in U.S.acute care hospitals,5-10% of patients develop
hospital acquired infections,many of them wounds.The cost per wound ranges from $3,000-$27,000."
"One market that these products are of special interest
is in Japan where loss of blood and avoidance of transfusion
are extremely emotive issues."
It is hard to believe that LTC's Biofuse technology
will not capture a small percentage of the market
in clips and clamps and in artery duct and vessel sealing .
I notice that in November 2008 quickly bought out OMRIX
for $438 Million to acquire their fibrin seal technology
I don't think Don,Frank, and s been
consultant to the majors like Johnson and Johnson
are ready to sell for $.25 or have given up yet. .
Regards,
BBHUEY
UNSA
