News Release
Laserscope to Unveil Three New Lasers At American Academy of Dermatology
Meeting Feb. 28 in Orlando
SAN JOSE, CALIF. (Feb. 26) BW HEALTHWIRE -Feb. 26, 1998--Laserscope
(NASDAQ:LSCP) announced today that the Company will introduce three new laser systems for the aesthetics market at the American Academy of
Dermatology (AAD) Convention, Feb. 28-Mar. 3 in Orlando, Fla.
"All three laser systems, representing significant technological
innovation, will enhance the delivery of treatment in the field of
aesthetics. The new systems are smaller and more compact than
competitive systems, incorporate advanced performance features, and are
priced to be among the most competitive in the industry," said Robert
V. McCormick, Laserscope President & CEO.
Skin resurfacing, the elimination of spider veins, and hair and tattoo
removal are the key applications facilitated by this trio of Laserscope
lasers as described below.
All three systems will be on display at the AAD meeting. For physicians
in the United States and international markets, Laserscope will
introduce the Venus(tm) Erbium:YAG and Aura SL(tm) Laser Systems. The
third product, the Levante(tm) Dual-Mode Ruby Laser System, is
available for the international market only.
Laserscope's Venus Erbium:YAG Laser System is the smallest, yet among
the most powerful, commercially available Erbium lasers for skin
resurfacing and other medical laser applications. Venus is one-half the
size and weight of most other Erbium systems on the market, providing
an excellent, easy-to-use, in-office system for such popular procedures
as skin resurfacing (wrinkle removal).
"Since the Erbium:YAG wavelength is more superficially absorbed by the
skin than the CO2 wavelength, it provides a gentler form of skin
resurfacing," said McCormick. "It provides an ideal treatment for
younger patients with mild wrinkles or moderate sun damage and can be
used on both facial and non-facial skin such as the hands. The healing
time can be twice as fast as conventional CO2 skin resurfacing."
Venus will be offered at the AAD with a suggested U.S. price of
$39,995, making it significantly less expensive than competitive
lasers.
The Aura SL, a new, lower-power configuration of Laserscope's
established Aura Laser System, is specifically engineered for removal
of facial spider veins and superficial pigmented lesions such as age
spots. Its special design provides greater patient comfort, quicker
healing and a lower price point.
"Our new Aura SL system has been configured to meet the growing demand
for lasers designed to treat and remove facial veins and pigmented
lesions. It is the only laser dedicated to facial applications that is
available with an integrated robotic scanner. We believe the system
competes very well against existing diode-pumped green light lasers,"
said McCormick.
The Aura SL delivers green light laser energy in shorter pulse widths
than diode-pumped lasers. This is important because shorter pulse
widths more closely match the thermal relaxation time of the targeted
blood vessels, thus minimizing collateral tissue damage and healing
time, while improving patient comfort. Also, at a suggested U.S. price
of $39,995, the Aura SL is among the lowest priced lasers in the
industry for these procedures.
The third laser to be introduced is the Levante Dual Mode Ruby Laser,
developed by NWL Laser-Technologie GmbH, a Laserscope subsidiary. The
694 nm wavelength ruby laser was designed exclusively for dermatologic
and aesthetic applications, specifically for removal of hair, tattoos
and pigmented lesions.
The Levante laser is a very versatile system with dual mode capability
permitting procedures requiring both short and longer pulse durations.
The Levante laser offers technological improvements over other ruby
lasers, such as an optional, adjustable scanner which can treat areas
ranging up to four inches by four inches. It is the smallest such unit
currently on the market. With a suggested price of $110,000, it will be
available for sale only outside the U.S.
Laserscope designs, manufactures, sells and services on a worldwide
basis an advanced line of medical laser systems and related energy
delivery devices for the office, outpatient surgical center and
hospital markets. The Company is a pioneer in the development and
commercialization of lasers and advanced fiber optic devices for
photoselective medicine to treat cancer and other diseases. Its Ascent
Medical Systems (AMS) provide innovative, custom equipment solutions
for surgical suites and medical treatment rooms. More information on
Laserscope and its products can be found on the Company's Website at
www.laserscope.com.
Statements in this announcement about future results are preliminary
and based on partial information and assumptions. Except for the
historical information presented, the matters discussed in this
announcement contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties, including the timely introduction and market acceptance
of new products and procedures, the development and rate of growth of
new markets and treatments, the impact of competitive products and
technologies, consumer acceptance of and demand for the medical
procedures targeted by the company, and other risks detailed from time
to time in the Company's public disclosure filings with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of the most recent
Forms 10K and 10Q are available upon request from Laserscope's Investor
Relations Department.
-0- gdr/sf*
CONTACT: Laserscope
Richard Wood, 408/943-0636 (IR/Media)
Dennis LaLumandiere, 408/943-0636 (Financial)
or
Hilary Kaye Associates
Hilary Kaye or Shelle Murach, 714/851-5150
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
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