GE - Plastics’ Ultem* Resins Help Improve Performance of Award-Winning Surgical Skin Stapler

BERGEN OP ZOOM, THE NETHERLANDS — November 17, 2005 — The use of subcuticular absorbable skin staples for closing incisions dramatically improves surgical outcomes while enhancing patient safety and comfort. At the recent MD&M East Show, GE - Plastics showcased the use of its Ultem* polyetherimide (PEI) resins in the award-winning INSORB®|20 subcuticular skin stapler from Minnesota-based Incisive Surgical, Inc. The GE materials provide strength, sterilization capabilities, and biocompatibility in custom colors to this unique disposable device, which combines the superior cosmetic results of absorbable sutures with the rapid closure times of metal skin staplers – while eliminating the need for post-operative staple removal.

David Stoen, vice president of Operations for Incisive Surgical, stated, “GE - Plastics provided invaluable assistance by showcasing different material options early in the development process. GE clearly understands the needs of its customers and the healthcare industry. Its innovative materials solutions, resources, expertise, and services helped us achieve a first-of-its-kind product.”

Incisive Surgical selected GE’s Ultem 1000F transparent resin and Ultem 2200F 20 percent glass-filled resin for seven components within the INSORB|20 skin stapler, based on the desirable properties of biocompatibility, superior mechanical strength to withstand compression during use, capability for both ETO and gamma sterilization, color and strength retention following sterilization, and part consolidation.

“Aligning with customers, both large and small, to support their success is what GE does best,” said Clare Frissora, market director, Healthcare, GE - Plastics. “It was exciting to work with Incisive Surgical over 18 months as they perfected this new device, and to play a role in the ultimate, award-winning design. GE provided material candidates, Color Express* color-matching, expedited material delivery and ongoing support throughout the process, underscoring our role as a strategic global materials supplier.”

The INSORB|20 skin stapler has won several honors including a 2005 Medical Design Excellence Award and a 2004 Tekne Award. The new device eliminates painful staple removal and doctors benefit from speed and ease of use. In addition, the use of staples avoids the risk of potentially dangerous needle sticks to both caregivers and patients.

The INSORB|20 skin stapler is available nationwide. To date, it has been used in over 3,000 cases. More information about the stapler and other Incisive Surgical, Inc. products can be found at: www.insorb.com

Reader enquiries

GE Plastics
Plasticslaan 1
4600 AC Bergen op Zoom
Netherlands

Helen Vandebovenkamp
helen.vandebovenkamp@ge.com

Tel: +31 164 29 20 97
Fax: +31 164 29 10 66
Netherlands
+31 164 29 20 97
helen.vandebovenkamp@​ge.com
www.geplastics.com

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Notes for editors

About GE - Plastics

GE - Plastics is a global supplier of plastic resins widely used in automotive, healthcare, consumer electronics, transportation, performance packaging, building & construction, telecommunications, and optical media applications. The company manufactures and compounds polycarbonate, ABS, SAN, ASA, PPE, PC/ABS, PBT and PEI resins, as well as the LNP* line of high-performance specialty compounds. GE - Plastics, Specialty Film & Sheet manufactures high-performance Lexan* sheet and film products used in thousands of demanding applications worldwide. In addition, GE - Plastics’ dedicated Automotive organization is an experienced, world-wide competitor, offering leading plastics solutions for five key automotive segments: body panels and glazing; under the hood applications; component; structures and interiors; and lighting. As a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Games, GE is the exclusive provider of a wide range of innovative products and services that are integral to a successful Games.

About Incisive Surgical

Incisive Surgical, Inc. is a privately held, emerging medical device company focused on the development, manufacturing, and marketing of proprietary surgical solutions for soft tissue management. The Company is located at 14405 – 21st Avenue North, Suite 130, Plymouth, MN 55447. The Incisive Surgical Web site may be accessed at www.insorb.com.

*Ultem, Color Express, LNP and Lexan are trademarks of General Electric Company.

® INSORB|20 is a registered trademark of Incisive Surgical, Inc.