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Cohera Medical, a rapidly growing medical device company, announced today that it has begun selling its lead product, TissuGlu® Surgical Adhesive, to hospitals and surgeons in three pilot territories in Germany. This regional launch will document and highlight the advantages of TissuGlu and will be used to drive a wider expansion throughout Germany and to additional European markets in early 2012.
In a limited pre-launch phase started in September 2011, a select group of leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons performed over 80 plastic surgery procedures with TissuGlu.
“I am very excited for the benefits that TissuGlu will bring not only to the patients in my practice, but to plastic and reconstructive surgeons worldwide performing large-flap plastic surgery procedures,” said Professor Axel-Mario Feller, an internationally renowned leader in reconstructive breast surgery based in Munich, Germany. “By reducing fluid accumulation and shortening time to drain removal, patient satisfaction and outcomes will be improved and costs of care will be reduced.”
During the pre-launch, the clinical experience from using TissuGlu was shared during the ÖGPÄRC/DGPRÄC/VDÄPC Congress in Innsbruck, Austria, an international meeting held in late-September, attended by over 800 plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Cohera Medical also sponsored a scientific symposium that generated significant visibility and interest in the product. The resulting discussion also highlighted the potential for TissuGlu to play an important role in surgeries beyond the aesthetic field.
“The reaction to TissuGlu among the top plastic surgeons in Germany has been great. Initial uptake by many of the most respected plastic surgeons have exceeded our initial forecast during this portion of our launch,” said Patrick Daly, President and CEO of Cohera Medical. “Our focus continues to be on excellent patient outcomes and expanding the number of surgeons who utilize TissuGlu. We look forward to continuing the rollout in additional European markets in 2012.”
Currently, most patients who undergo abdominoplasty and other flap procedures require the insertion of drains to remove fluids that accumulate under the skin at the surgical site. In some cases, drainage is inadequate and the excess fluid accumulation (seroma) often requires additional procedures for removal. TissuGlu adheres the tissue flap to the underlying tissue (which is created during the procedure) to reduce fluid that can accumulate in the space and ultimately reduce the time to drain removal. With the use of TissuGlu, patients may have drains removed faster, which may lead to a more comfortable recovery and a quicker return to normal activity.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the global market for cosmetic surgery and treatments now exceeds $30 billion, with a sustainable compound annual growth rate in the range of 25%. In Europe, the market for cosmetic surgery is about $2.2 billion with a compound annual growth rate of 19% (Frost & Sullivan), and total sales of wound closure devices are expected to reach approximately $740 million in 2012 (Medtech Insight).
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