Simbionix to Reveal Two New Products at the Upcoming American Urology
Association (AUA) Annual Meeting

CLEVELAND, OH, May 24 /CNW/ - Simbionix USA Corporation, the world's leading provider of medical education and simulation training products for medical professionals and the healthcare industry, is launching two new hands-on training systems - the Lap Nepherctomy simulation module and the VirtaMed TURPSim. Both solutions will be revealed for the first time at the AUA annual meeting in San Francisco next week.

The Lap Nephrectomy simulation system is a unique replication of one of the most advanced laparoscopic procedures. While studies show that the laparoscopic nephrectomy procedure offers improved quality of life at lower costs, it is at the same time considered to be a challenging surgery with a steep learning curve. The solution provided by Simbionix will enable urologists to practice the procedure in a virtual clinical environment without risks to patients or recurring training costs. It is expected that the potential for unlimited access to training may reduce intra-operational complications associated with this procedure.

The new VirtaMed TURPSim simulation system is the latest development from VirtaMed who joined forces with Simbionix in 2009 to provide GYN and Urologist surgeons with the most advanced training systems for endoscopic surgery. Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is the current gold standard in the treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH). With a wide range of prostate anatomies, pathologies and operative complications, this technique requires skills training and experience to achieve optimal results. The new VirtaMed TURPSim provides comprehensive training on the skills necessary to perform this procedure and will enable practice of complete TURP procedures using an authentic resectoscope.

Gary Zamler, Simbionix CEO, commented "Simbionix is a pioneer in the field of medical education, and for the past ten years has continuously introduced ground breaking technology that has changed and shaped the face of medical education. Our commitment to the medical community is to provide all medical fields with new and advanced training tools, as demonstrated by these latest developments intended for urologists. Our strong partnership with VirtaMed is based on this same philosophy intended to advance clinical performance."

"The combination of TURPSim and HystSim provides a realistic platform for full procedural training in both urology and gynaecology. We are excited to continue our collaboration with Simbionix to ensure that every training center has the option to add the TURPSim to its training portfolio," says VirtaMed CEO Stefan Tuchschmid. "VirtaMed will continue to focus on developing new simulators with the highest possible realism, and Simbionix is a partner who supports us in every possible way."

About Simbionix USA Corporation

Simbionix is the world's leading provider of simulation and training products for medical professionals and the healthcare industry. Founded in 1997, the company is committed to delivering high quality products, advancing clinical performance and optimizing procedural outcomes. Simbionix cooperates with physicians on a regular basis to produce the most reliable and effective training and supporting systems.

For more information on Simbionix, visit http://www.simbionix.com

About VirtaMed

VirtaMed is a Swiss based company with an interdisciplinary background in medicine and engineering. The HystSim(TM) and TURPSim(TM) systems are the first VirtaMed product and provide instructional teaching and training of hysteroscopy and the transurethral resection of the prostate. VirtaMed's mission is to develop state-of-the-art training tools for endoscopic surgery of highest possible realism, all with the ultimate goal to improve the quality of patient care. Additional company information can be found at http://www.virtamed.com

For further information: Rebecca Zitter, Manager of Marketing Communications and Distributor Relations, [email protected], [phone]