Smith & Nephew Introduces Industry's First Progressive Scan Autoclavable Camera ANDOVER, Massachusetts, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith & Nephew's (NYSE: SNN; LSE: SN) Endoscopy division today announced the launch of a new camera system, including the medical device industry's first progressive scan autoclavable camera for use in endoscopic surgery. The camera system will be introduced next week at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' 71st Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Progressive scan technology provides a superior level of performance in how it displays images -- similar to the quality of images displayed by high resolution televisions in the consumer industry. While traditional interlaced video utilises two separate visual fields, progressive scan camera systems read and display images in one pass, or as one single frame. Benefits of this technology over conventional camera systems include: *Improvement in fine detail resolution *Elimination of flicker, especially with low-motion and static images *Reduction in fast motion artefacts, resulting in a smoother image "The benefits of digital technologies in the operating room, particularly progressive scan, will permanently and positively alter the way we view and access surgical images," Dr. James R. Andrews, Alabama Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Centre, Birmingham, Ala. "The ability to maintain intra-operative image clarity during surgical procedures with Smith & Nephew's new progressive scan camera can have added patient benefits as well, such as injury pathologies that will be easier to identify and treat." The Smith & Nephew Camera System consists of a wide range of autoclave and non-autoclave options, includinginterlaced-compatible cameras and control units for use in arthroscopic, laparoscopic, cystoscopic and other endoscopic procedures. It is also configured to be compatible with the recently launched Smith & Nephew 640 Image Management System, a surgical documentation system used to store, access and distribute intra-operative patient reports, as well as digital surgical video clips and still images. "In tandem with Smith & Nephew's 640 Image Management System, this camera system has the ability to visualize and capture still and video images with clear and full resolution," added Dr. Andrews. "This not only will have unprecedented application during surgical procedures, but it also will provide a precise visual record of each patient's treatment history." "The use of breakthrough and emerging technologies is at the forefront of our product development process," said Jim Taylor, president, Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. "We are thrilled with the innovation of the new camerasystem that we are introducing to the surgeon community and in particular, the benefits it will enable our customers to bring to their patients." The Camera System was designed for a wide range of demanding applications across multi-specialties including procedure-specific image quality, customer- programmable procedure settings, digital zoom, surgical image and video management. The new system can also be used with a variety of endoscopes. About Smith & Nephew: Smith & Nephew (NYSE: SNN, LSE: SN) (www.smith-nephew.com) is one of the world's leading medical devices companies, specialising in Orthopaedics, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management. Smith & Nephew ranks as the global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is the fastest growing full-line orthopaedics company in the world. Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The company prides itself in the strength of its relationships with its surgeon and healthcare professional customers, with whom its name is synonymous with the highest standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has over 7,500 employees and operates in 32 countries around the world, generating sales of US$1.9 billion. This press release contains forward-looking statements. The company wishes to caution the reader that actual results may differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be adversely affected by, among other things, risksassociated with new product development and commercialisation, clinical trials, intellectual property, regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, the company's overall business strategy and other factors. Contact: Joe Metzger Smith & Nephew Endoscopy +1 (978) 749-1330 DATASOURCE: Smith & Nephew CONTACT: Joe Metzger of Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, +1-978-749-1330, FCMN Contact: jan.perry@smith-nephew.com, Web site: www.smith-nephew.com, (SNN)

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