SafeStitch Medical's AMID Stapler to be presented at AHS 2012

SafeStitch Medical, Inc. (OTCBB:SFES) will present the AMID Stapler® at the 5th International Hernia Congress in New York City, March 28-31, 2012.    

SafeStitch Medical's 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.

"Because hernia repairs using the AMID Stapler require less surgical wound retraction, the procedure is potentially less painful due to reduced tissue contusion," noted Dr. Charles Filipi, SafeStitch Chief Medical Officer and past president of the American Hernia Society. Jeffrey Spragens, SafeStitch's President and CEO, added that, "There 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."

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, "My 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 was to 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."

In addition, SafeStitch Medical is sponsoring a learning symposium called, "Lichtenstein Hernia Repair with the AMID Stapler," with Dr. Charles Filipi as the speaker. In addition to serving as SafeStitch's 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.

"The 5^th 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," says Dr. Filipi.