Business & Finance
Thu, March 29, 2012 
MIAMI--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--SafeStitch Medical, Inc. (OTCBB:SFES) will present the AMID Stapler at the 5th International Hernia Congress in New York City, March 28-31, 2012.
"Because hernia repairs using the AMID Stapler require less surgical wound retraction, the procedure is potentially less painful due to reduced tissue contusion"
SafeStitch Medicalas AMID Stapler is an innovative alternative to manual suturing for inguinal hernia repair using the Lichtenstein method. The AMID Stapler can also be used for ventral hernia repair, soft tissue approximation and skin closure.
aBecause hernia repairs using the AMID Stapler require less surgical wound retraction, the procedure is potentially less painful due to reduced tissue contusion,a noted Dr. Charles Filipi, SafeStitch Chief Medical Officer and past president of the American Hernia Society. Jeffrey Spragens, SafeStitchas President and CEO, added that, aThere are approximately 800,000 patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair in the US each year. We see the AMID Stapler as a new transitional device in the treatment of hernias in that it may also result in faster patient turnaround in the Operating Room. A faster procedure time and less tissue manipulation should provide patients with a more comfortable recovery with the potential to return to work in less time.a
The AMID Stapler is pre-loaded with 17 titanium staples, enough to both secure mesh in the hernia sac as part of the popular Lichtenstein hernia repair and to close the skin when the procedure is completed, eliminating the need for a separate skin stapler or manual closing. SafeStitch will be conducting a series of educational programs to train surgeons in the use of the AMID Stapler under the guidance of world-renowned hernia specialist, Dr. Parviz Amid.
Dr. Parviz Amid, the inventor of the AMID Stapler noted, aMy reason for developing the AMID Stapler for hernia repair was to complete my mission to perfect the Lichtenstein procedure. When our group began the project, our goal wasto minimize recurrence and acute and chronic postoperative pain. This repair had to be safe and easy to perform. After 25 years of experience and countless literature reviews, I believe our original goal is accomplished.a
In addition, SafeStitch Medical is sponsoring a learning symposium called, aLichtenstein Hernia Repair with the AMID Stapler,a with Dr. Charles Filipi as the speaker. In addition to serving as SafeStitchas Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Filipi is a professor of surgery at Creighton University School of Medicine and has enjoyed an accomplished career as both a doctor and an inventor of medical procedures and devices. He is considered a pioneer in the areas of laparoscopic and intra-luminal surgery.
aThe 5th Annual International Hernia Congress is the ideal venue to showcase the AMID Stapler. Physicians from all over the world can see how the Lichtenstein method can potentially be made easier by using the AMID Stapler,a says Dr. Filipi.
The 5th International Hernia Congress is being held at the New York Marriot Marquis, March 28-31, 2012. Please visit booth #306 & 308 to learn more about the AMID Stapler and see an animation video that illustrates all its features.
The AMID Stapler is available for sale in the U.S.
AMID Stapler is a registered trademark of SafeStitch Medical, Inc.
About SafeStitch Medical, Inc.
Miami, Florida-based SafeStitch Medical, Inc. is a publicly traded medical device company focused on developing innovative surgical devices with minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures to deliver durable outcome for hernia repair, treatment of obesity and other gastroespophageal disorders. Information about the Company may be found on its website at:[ www.safestitch.com ].
This press release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA), which statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "projects," "will," "may," "anticipates," "believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning, including statements regarding our product development and commercialization efforts, and our ability to significantly improve clinical outcomes in patients, as well as other non-historical statements about our expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding our business, technologies and products, financial condition, strategies or prospects. Many factors, including those described herein and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause our actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements. These factors include: whether using the AMID Stapler results in less pain for the patients, faster turnaround in the operating room, a more comfortable recovery, eliminates the need for a separate skin stapler or manual closing, perfect, and potentially make safer, the Lichtenstein procedure; whether the commercialization of our products, including the AMID Stapler, may be delayed or may be unsuccessful; that others may develop products and devices, including other devices for hernia repair, obesity or GERD procedures, which are superior to our devices; and that our devices may not have advantages over presently marketed products or devices or products or devices under development by others.In addition, forward-looking statements may also be adversely affected by risks inherent in funding, developing and obtaining regulatory approvals of new, commercially-viable and competitive products and treatments, general market factors, federal and state regulations and legislation, the regulatory process for new products and indications, manufacturing issues that may arise, patent positions and litigation, among other factors.The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date the statements were made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required under applicable law.We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA.
