A voluntary recall program announced by CONMED Linvatec

CONMED CorporationSep 9 2009

CONMED Corporation's (NASDAQ: CNMD) CONMED Linvatec unit announced today a voluntary recall for certain model numbers of the PRO5 & PRO6 series battery handpieces manufactured prior to May 31, 2008, and certain lots of the MC5057 Universal Cable manufactured prior to December 1, 2006 used with certain of CONMED Linvatec's electric powered handpieces. CONMED Linvatec issued Medical Device Safety Alert letters to customers dated July 31, 2009 providing information on findings from the Company's ongoing continuous quality improvement process. Following discussions with the Food and Drug Administration, CONMED Linvatec has now developed a voluntary recall program for the affected products. The recall program is more fully described below.

In the PRO5 and PRO6 Medical Device Safety Alert Letter, CONMED Linvatec notified customers about the unlikely possibility for units to potentially self-activate. The letter also reminded customers that safe and effective use of the handpieces includes inserting the battery away from the operation site along with not touching or coming into contact with moving parts while inserting the battery, and to follow recommended handling and user instructions. An additional letter listing the affected serial numbers of units is in process of being sent to customers who have the PRO5 & PRO6 series battery handpieces. They will be requested to contact CONMED Linvatec to schedule the return and service of their units. Units manufactured and distributed AFTER May 31, 2008 are not affected by this action.

In the MC5057 Medical Device Safety Alert Letter, CONMED Linvatec notified customers about the unlikely possibility for cables manufactured prior to December 1, 2006, to cause an electric powered handpiece to potentially self-activate. The letter instructed customers to avoid moving parts on the handpiece when the cable is inserted and to follow recommended handling and user instructions. CONMED Linvatec is in the process of notifying customers that have the affected MC5057 Universal Cable. These customers will be instructed to contact CONMED Linvatec to schedule the return of their cables for replacements. MC5057 Universal Cables manufactured and distributed AFTER December 1, 2006 are not affected by this action.

Self-activation may in some circumstances cause injury, although CONMED Linvatec has received no reports of any injuries with respect to the PRO5 or PRO6 handpieces. With respect to the cables, CONMED Linvatec has received no reports of injuries to patients. There were, however, two reports of non-serious injuries to medical personnel, with both reports occurring in 2006 in situations in which the users did not follow the instructions for use. In the unlikely event that a battery handpiece behaves erratically, users should cease using it and contact customer service at CONMED Linvatec. Likewise, users should not deploy cables with excessive wear or damage.

CONMED Linvatec customers are being reminded that routine preventive maintenance may help to ensure optimum operating performance over the life of the handpiece. Customers are encouraged to contact CONMED Linvatec with any questions or concerns at 1-800-535-8536 or email at [email protected]. Customers are also reminded that any adverse experiences with the use of these products, and/or quality problems should also be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by Fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch

CONMED currently estimates the pre-tax cost of completing the recall will approximate $6.0 million, which will be expensed in the Company's financial statements for the quarter ending September 30, 2009.