Devices Surgery Orthopaedic

 News Release - March 14, 2006

PRAXIM Medivision Enters U.S. Market

European-Based Leader in Computer-Assisted Surgery Plans Major U.S. Push

PRAXIM Medivision Looking for Partnerships, Attends AAOS Convention in Chicago

CHICAGO, March 14 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- PRAXIM Medivision, already a trusted world leader with more than 10,000 surgeries performed using its navigation products, has announced plans to enter the U.S. through partnerships and collaborations with industry leaders.

The French-based company's innovations are an integral part of computer- assisted and minimally invasive surgery, particularly in orthopedic surgery. Leading uses of PRAXIM Medivision navigation systems include knee replacement and ACL repair.

Studies show navigation systems used in ACL surgery result in optimized knee stability and a reduction in other factors that cause failure of the surgery such as misplacement of the tunnels and notch impingement.

Since 2001, PRAXIM Medivision has obtained CE Mark and FDA approval for more than 27 surgical applications. In 2005, they were selected the Information Society Technologies Grand Prize Winner out of 430 applicants from 29 countries.

PRAXIM Medivision's Surgetics Station has more than 30 specific and universal surgical modules available to the orthopedic surgeon to improve their precision and reduce risk and discomfort to the patient.

"Navigation systems provide greater safety to the patients by increasing accuracy and control as well as reducing the need for X-ray exposure," said CEO Stephane Lavallee.

Recently, PRAXIM developed the patented Bone Morphing technology that creates a 3-D model of the patient's joint during a procedure and allows the surgeon to visualize and quantify the anticipated results.

PRAXIM Medivision's products are already used at Keller Army Community Hospital in West Point, NY, and a strong partnership is underway at the New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery, which is the oldest orthopedic hospital in the country.

Executives from PRAXIM Medivision will be in Chicago for the 75th annual conference of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, (AAOS). From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed., March 22 through Fri. March 24, PRAXIM Medivision will demonstrate their latest technology at Booth Number 4411 In McCormick Place, Hall A.

Company executives are also available for media interviews by contacting Gina Czark at 312.553.0700 or visiting the media room at the AAOS convention.

About PRAXIM Medivision

PRAXIM Medivision was founded in 1995 by academic researchers from the Computer Assisted Medical Interventions team of the University Joseph Fourier in France. In 1999, the company began developing its own products, including the successful Surgetics Station and Surgetics Applications for Orthopedic and Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery.

PRAXIM acquired one of its leading competitors, Switzerland-based Medivision, in Oct. 2003. The acquisition allowed PRAXIM to continue its leadership in Europe, with additional key positions in Switzerland and Germany.

Source: PRAXIM Medivision

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