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  UNITED STATES SURGICAL CORPORATION (USSC) develops, manufactures and markets a range of technologically advanced surgical products to hospitals throughout the world. In 1967, USSC introduced the world's first automated surgical stapler, an alternative to manual suturing, which offered greater speed, precision and safety and made possible certain procedures that could not be performed with needle and thread. On average, surgical stapling speeds healing and shortens hospital stay, translating into important economic benefits. USSC has approximately 60% share of the surgical stapler market. USSC pioneered the development of stapling instrumentation for the growing area of laparoscopy, a form of minimally invasive surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is performed through small incisions, in most cases significantly reducing hospital stay, recovery time, pain and scarring and contributing to lower hospital costs. USSC has more than 50% share of the market for single-use laparoscopic instruments. In 1967, when the company introduced its first AUTO SUTURE* surgical staplers, sales were $357,000. In 1995, sales exceeded $1 billion. Throughout its history, USSC's research and development group has generated an expanding array of new products and product upgrades. One instrument can eliminate the need for a colostomy, a procedure in which the rectum must be permanently closed, requiring the patient to wear an external bag for collection of body waste. In 1990, USSC launched the world's first multiple clip applier for laparoscopic surgery, making possible a revolutionary technique for gallbladder removal. Patients who undergo this procedure can usually return home within a day of surgery and resume normal activities within a week. In the past, gallbladder removal typically involved a week-long hospital stay and four to six weeks of painful recuperation. The benefits of this procedure are so dramatic that approximately 90% of the 600,000 gallbladder removals performed annually in the United States have been converted to the laparoscopic technique. Other instruments in USSC's laparoscopic line make possible minimally invasive hysterectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair and kidney removal, as well as treatments for chronic heartburn, female incontinence and certain lung, bowel and spinal disorders. As the company develops additional products for minimally invasive surgery, the number of procedures that can be performed laparoscopically will continue to grow. One of USSC's most exciting new products is the ABBI* system for minimally invasive breast surgery. The ABBI* system includes a stereotactic table for imaging the lesion and a minimally invasive biopsy device. Traditional breast biopsy requires a radiologist to place a wire marker to identify the position of the lesion, after which the patient is moved to an operating room where general anesthesia is administered and a tissue sample is removed. The ABBI* system combines these two steps into a single procedure, significantly reducing costs. This advanced technology allows the specimen to be targeted more precisely (to within 1 mm) and removed gently through a tiny incision. The ABBI* system, which is used with local anesthesia, can reduce pain, scarring and potential disfigurement for the nearly 1 million women who require breast biopsies each year. USSC markets a full line of technologically advanced sutures, which were introduced in early 1991. Sutures currently represent the dominant portion of the wound closure market, with annual sales of $1.3 billion. Because most surgical procedures which use staples also require suturing, sutures are a natural complement to the company's stapling instrumentation. Suture sales continue to increase significantly. With hospitals reducing the number of suppliers in order to streamline their business, the ability to offer sutures in addition to mechanical products allows USSC to compete more effectively in the current health care environment. Remaining at the forefront of health care technology is a multifaceted effort. In addition to new product concepts which often originate in the marketing department, advanced technologies from physicians, universities and other technically-oriented companies are evaluated for their growth potential, business synergy and ability to provide cost effective health care. The company's product portfolio is currently being expanded to include new instrumentation for cardiovascular, orthopedic and urologic surgery. In January 1995, USSC became one of the first companies in the medical industry to achieve ISO 9001 certification, the highest level of certification conferred by the International Organization of Standards. The certification recognizes that high quality standards have been met in a number of critical areas, including manufacturing, product development and customer service. Although it is now voluntary, by 1998 all companies marketing in Europe will be required to have this type of regulatory approval. USSC's products are marketed to hospitals in the United States and approximately 90 other countries worldwide. The company recognizes its responsibility to provide comprehensive instruction in the use of our products to surgeons and other medical personnel. USSC's worldwide representatives are trained at company headquarters. Graduates of this rigorous training program are qualified to scrub in surgery as technical advisors and are routinely invited to provide instruction in the use of AUTO SUTURE* instruments at university-sponsored seminars. In addition to being technical experts, our salespeople have also become experts in cost control. Working closely with surgeons, nurses, financial managers and materials managers, they personify the company's efforts to create lasting partnerships with our customers that will help them deliver excellent patient care in a cost effective manner. USSC employs approximately 6,000 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located in Norwalk, Connecticut, with major manufacturing facilities in North Haven, Connecticut and Ponce, Puerto Rico. The company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol USS). FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Marianne Scipione Vice President, Corporate Communications United States Surgical Corporation 150 Glover Avenue Norwalk, CT 06856 (203) 845-1404 |
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