Smith & Nephew Endoscopy Launches the 560 Series - a Complete, End-to-End High Definition Surgical Camera System

ANDOVER, Mass., June 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew's Endoscopy Division today announced the launch of the 560 Series 3-CCD High Definition (HD) Camera System, a surgical camera system capable of capturing and displaying broadcast quality HD images in arthroscopic and other minimally invasive surgeries.

The 560 Series is designed to maintain high-definition resolution through the entire image chain, from the video arthroscope or laparoscope, through the camera head and the control unit, and to the monitor; resulting in clearer, more detailed surgical images.

"Clearer images may result in better diagnostics, reduced OR time and improved procedure outcomes," said Dr. Stephen M. Desio, an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester, Mass.

"Smith & Nephew's 560 Series Camera System has set a new standard for arthroscopic and endoscopic visualization," Dr. Desio said. "The picture detail, color and field depth are outstanding."

In any visualization system - be it in an operating room or a consumer's home - the image quality is only as good as the weakest component. A high- definition camera will capture broadcast quality images and an HD monitor will display them, but if the technology in between -- a consumer's cable box or a medical facility's camera control unit, for example -- does not support high- definition technology, the picture quality is ultimately sacrificed.

The 560 Series is also designed to interface with Smith & Nephew Endoscopy's CONDOR(TM) Control System and its 660HD Image Management System for Digital Operating Rooms. The CONDOR Control System enables the medical staff to manage the operative environment from a single control panel. The 660HD IMS enables medical facilities to capture and store high-definition surgical images, which can then be archived with the patient's medical history.

"Smith & Nephew Endoscopy has earned its reputation as the global leader in arthroscopy, but with the 560 Series High Definition Camera System the organization has demonstrated the strength of its technology in other surgical specialties," said Dr. Paul Brisson, Chief of Surgery at St. Clare's Hospital in Schenectady, N.Y., who tested the camera system during minimally invasive procedures.

Most surgical camera systems are adapted for medical applications using technology marketed to consumers. Jerry Goodman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Smith & Nephew Endoscopy's Capital Equipment business unit, said, "The 560 Series HD Camera System was designed in partnership with broadcast technology experts, to deliver superior image quality - not just for arthroscopy, but for all endoscopic specialties."

About Smith & Nephew:

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Trauma and Clinical Therapies, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The Company has

8,800 employees and operates in 33 countries around the world generating annual sales approaching $2.8 billion.

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, statements regarding planned growth in our business and in our trading margins discussed under "Outlook" are forward-looking statements as are discussions of our product pipeline. These statements, as well as the phrases "aim", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "well-placed", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "consider" and similar expressions, are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward- looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors (including, but not limited to, the outcome of litigation and regulatory approvals) that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Smith & Nephew, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Please refer to the documents that Smith & Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith & Nephew's most recent annual report on Form 20F, for a discussion of certain of these factors.

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Contact: Joe Metzger Smith & Nephew Endoscopy (978) 749-1330