GYG Gyg Plc

RNS Number:0477S
Gyrus Group PLC
5 October 2000


GYRUS GROUP PLC ("Gyrus" or the "Group")

GYRUS COMPLETES DEVELOPMENT OF KEY NEW ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY PRODUCTS 

Gyrus has completed the development of their second generation arthroscopy
system to be sold through Mitek, an operating division of Ethicon Inc, J&J. 
This follows the fast track receipt of FDA 510(k) approvals.

This advanced VAPR II, 2nd Generation Arthroscopy System, offers -

1.       A range of instruments which enable the surgeon to programme and
control the  thermal modification technique used in the minimally
invasive treatment of dislocated joints.

2.       Integral suction capability during simultaneous tissue vaporisation
to further reduce operation time.

The facility to simultaneously vaporise and evacuate tissue, together with
high levels of thermal control and safety will allow these new instruments to
compete very strongly and competitively in the arthroscopic market, which is
currently valued at $450 million p.a.

Under the terms of the $6 million Key Growth Agreement with J&J these VAPR II
disposable instruments will attract a higher margin than the standard VAPR
range.

Chief Executive, Dr Mark Goble commented:
 "We believe that the integration of programmable thermal control and integral
suction, allied with the superior vaporisation performance of our
PlasmaKinetic technology, now makes VAPR the most competitive arthroscopic
system on the market."
                                                                              

GYRUS COMPLETES DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY PRODUCTS

Following fast track FDA 510(k) approvals, Gyrus has launched three new
arthroscopic surgery products to be sold through Mitek, an operating division
of Ethicon Inc, J&J, today.

1.       The VAPR II, 2nd Generation Arthroscopy System.  Based on Gyrus'
highly successful PlasmaKinetic technology, this VAPR II system now
incorporates  sophisticated controls which automatically maintain tissue
temperature at the desired level during treatment.  Unlike the first
generation VAPR system, these controls are selectable and programmable by the
surgeon ensuring higher levels of safety and performance throughout thermal
modification procedures.  

       Thermal modification induces the shortening of collagen fibres which
surround the joints.  These become stretched and damaged following dislocation
and can lead to reduced function together with the risk of recurrent
dislocations.  Other features to improve the ease with which the system can be
used have also been incorporated.

2.       A range of VAPR II instruments providing programmable control. 
Further clinical experience with thermal modification procedures has led to
the continued refinement of the procedure.  The VAPR II instruments now
interface with the programmable controls providing constant monitoring of
temperature against the selected level, making procedures safer, easier and
quicker to perform.  
       
       Incorporation of this new facility will not only increase the adoption
of the procedure but could expand use of the technique, beyond the shoulder
joint, to treat recurrent sprains and partial dislocations. These injuries are
very common, particularly amongst recreational athletes.  Subject to the
results from evaluations now in progress, these new procedures could
significantly add to the $450 million arthroscopic market for soft tissue
treatment.

3.       The first in a family of VAPR instruments to feature integral
suction.  A key factor in the success of the VAPR system has been the speed
and control of tissue removal combined with the facility to simultaneously
seal blood vessels.  The introduction of integral suction will increase the
speed and efficiency of arthroscopic procedures still further.  In addition,
loose wispy tissue and small tissue pieces released during treatment will now
be attracted into the vapour pocket at the tip of the instrument, where they
will be instantaneously vaporised and extracted.

The first two products were developed under the $6 million Key Growth
agreement with Ethicon Inc.  Under the terms of this agreement these
disposable instruments will attract a higher margin than the standard VAPR
instruments.  In addition the installed base of over 3,000 VAPR generators can
now be upgraded to VAPR II.  This will reduce costs by eliminating the need to
install brand new generators to work with these instruments.


The Group recently announced twelve month results to 30th June 2000, showing a
46% growth in turnover to #13.7 million with a strong contribution during the
last quarter from their US subsidiary, Everest Medical.

ENQUIRIES

Gyrus Group PLC                            
Dr Mark Goble, Chief Executive, or                      
John Bradshaw, Finance Director                     
Analyst/Broker/Shareholder Enquiries
Tel: (01628) 535 800
Fax: (01628) 535 801
E-Mail: john.bradshaw@gyrus.co.uk

Jean Garon PR                                   
Jean Garon                                          
Press Enquiries                                                        
Tel:(01628)483040 
Fax: (01628) 486796
E-Mail: jean@garonpr.demon.co.uk

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