GYG Gyg Plc

RNS Number:4880X
Gyrus Group PLC
20 June 2002



Embargoed for Release, Thursday 20 June 2002 - 7.00am (BST)


GYRUS GROUP PLC INTRODUCES "DIEGO" SYSTEM-NEXT GENERATION PRODUCT USED FOR
TREATMENT OF CHRONIC SINUS INFECTIONS

READING, UK - Gyrus Group PLC, (GYG.L "Gyrus" or "the Group") a world leader in
the surgical management of tissue using less traumatic techniques announces the
introduction, ahead of plan, of its new Gyrus ENT DiegoTM  System for the
surgical removal of diseased tissues in the nasal cavity and sinuses.

The Diego System is the next generation of a device known as a "microdebrider"
used in the endoscopic removal of diseased soft tissue, polyps and bony
obstructions in the nasal cavity and sinuses, known as Functional Endoscopic
Sinus Surgery (FESS).  The system drives specialized disposable blades, which
accurately cut and suction away the tissue causing sinus disease. The endoscopic
or "less invasive" nature of the procedure reduces trauma to the patient and
promotes a faster return to normal activities than traditional sinus surgery.

The system was created by a joint collaborative team consisting of a group of
the world's leading sinus surgeons.  Dr. Frederick Kuhn of the Georgia Nasal and
Sinus Institute, Savannah, Georgia, USA, was one of those surgeons who worked
with Gyrus ENT to perfect the Diego System.  Dr. Kuhn calls the system, "a
significant clinical advance in sinus surgery."

"It's ergonomic handpiece and unique blade design allow delicate and precise
tissue removal and speed up surgery," Dr. Kuhn said.  "Not only does this system
offer excellent surgical results right now, but it's like putting the future in
your hands.  Diego is a device that you can tell was designed by surgeons for
surgeons."

The revolutionary Diego System features many advanced ergonomic and clinical
advantages.  The handpiece helps the surgeon avoid fatigue during longer cases
and allows finely controlled tissue resection.  The dissecting blades are
capable of 360-degree rotation to allow the surgeon to reorientate the blade
during use.  This gives the surgeon the capability of achieving quick and easy
intraoperative access to a patient's particular anatomy and pathology. In
addition the system features a unique "straight through" tissue suction path
which is less prone to the clogging which is often seen in other microdebriders.

The features of the Diego System help surgeons to reduce operating time by up to
20% whilst the precision of the tissue dissection and removal reduces damage to
healthy adjacent tissue.

A leader in the development of new applications for their exclusive
PlasmaKinetic (PK) Tissue Management System, Gyrus has also incorporated a PK
upgradeable feature into the Diego System for future surgical versatility.

"Occurring ahead of plan, this latest introduction demonstrates our focus on
driving growth in our ENT business and recapturing our share of this $60M sinus
and rhinology microdebrider market with double digit growth", said Mark Goble,
Gyrus Group PLC Managing Director. "Additionally it reaffirms our commitment to
developing products and procedures that reduce patient trauma and accelerate
healing."

Background & Market Update: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery-Gyrus-ENT

Both the Sinus and Rhinology and Head and Neck sectors of the ENT market
represent significant growth opportunities for the Group. The introduction of
the Diego System is the next step in Gyrus ENT's expansion of their presence in
the sinus market.

In September of 2001, the Group entered a five-year agreement with Genzyme
Biosurgery Inc., under terms of which Gyrus-ENT will market and sell
Sepragel(R) Sinus Bioresorbable Nasal Packing and Sinus Stent and SeprapackTM 
Bioresorbable Nasal Packing and Sinus Stent.  These two products are
formulations of hyaluronan (HA of hyaluronic acid) and are intended for use as
postoperative nasal and sinus packing to separate traumatized tissues, control
minimal bleeding and enhance patient care.

Sepragel(R) Sinus and SeprapackTM are naturally resorbed by the surrounding
tissue within 7-14 days, requiring no painful removal of packing, a major
objection with traditional packing methods.  Since HA is a naturally occurring
substance found in the extracellular matrix of the human tissue it is highly
biocompatible.

These unique products will be offered alongside the Diego System to provide a
continuum of care in less traumatic tissue management for sinus surgery.

All of these products could be used to treat the more than 32 million people
each year who suffer from chronic sinusitis, a condition treated by
re-establishing the natural drainage of the nasal passages.  This is
accomplished by controlling or eliminating the source of the inflammation and
infection, thereby relieving the pain.

In a step-wise disease management approach physicians can also recommend
decongestants to reduce the congestion, antibiotics to control bacterial
infection and pain relievers to reduce the pain. But, when medical products fail
surgery is often recommended.  Studies by the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases in the United States suggest that the vast majority of
patients who undergo sinus surgery have fewer symptoms and better quality of
life than those treated medically.




Notes to editors

About Gyrus

Gyrus Group PLC is a growing medical technology company with principal UK
operations based in Cardiff and Reading. The Group comprises four operational
units: Gyrus Medical Inc. Gyrus Medical Ltd., Gyrus International Ltd. and Gyrus
ENT.


"Meet the Management" day

On Wednesday June 26th Gyrus Group PLC will hold its first "Meet the Management"
day for financial analysts and members of the media at 9:30 a.m.  It will be
held at The City Media Centre of The London Stock Exchange, London EC2N 1HP.



Enquiries:

Gyrus Group PLC
Mark Goble, Managing Director                                 Tel: 01189 219720
Thomas F. Murphy, Group Finance Director
Christian Williams, Director of Corporate Communications

Fleishman Hillard Public Relations                            Tel: 0207 306 9000
Jennifer Ryan

Financial Dynamics                                            Tel: 0207 831 3113
Edward Bridges/Sarah Manners



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