FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mediflex® introduces ReliefTM Handle, a new ergonomic laparoscopic instrument handle to address repetitive motion discomfort and injuries experienced by surgeons. ISLANDIA, New York (October 17, 2016) - At the American College of Surgeons Meeting in Washington, DC, Mediflex announces the official global release of the patent pending ReliefTM Handle which reduces muscle, nerve and tendon stress associated with grasping motions. The Relief Handle is ambidextrous and features a pivotable thumb ring which allows the thumb to follow its natural motion sequences. As the thumb is unrestricted, pain and discomfort caused by awkward motions and positions is reduced and pressure symptoms leading to injury can be prevented. Through relaxed movements, the surgeon has greater control, endurance as well as increased tactile perception of the instrument use. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed the significant risks of digital nerve injury for laparoscopic surgeons. Additionally, the thumb saddle joint is subjected to a tremendous amount of force with grasping movements. With progressive wear and tear, degenerative arthritis and osteoarthritis can result. “Surgeons have often commented on the stillness, fatigue, pain and paresthesia they experience during and after use of laparoscopic instruments” commented Dan Adler, Mediflex Vice President of International Sales. “We wanted to address this important problem that laparoscopic surgeons encounter therefore, we designed the ReliefTM Handle. During beta testing, all surgeons had a positive response to the Relief TMHandle and felt it would reduce or eliminate their repetitive motion symptoms” stated Mr. Adler. Mediflex will incorporate the ReliefTM Handle with a monopolar post into its Cutting EdgeTM and Deluxe laparoscopic instrument lines which include an extensive array of tip configurations. The Cutting EdgeTM disposable scissor tip instrument is a leading product line as it offers a new scissor tip for each patient which results in superior performance with a minimum cost, as compared to a fully disposable scissor instrument. The Deluxe Modular Instruments are comprised of reusable inserts and shafts of various lengths and diameters in addition to a standard handle with and without a ratchet and now the Relief TMHandle, with and without a ratchet feature. About Mediflex For 50 years, Mediflex Surgical Products, a division of Flexbar Machine Corp. has specialized in the design, development and production of surgical holders, positioning arms, retractor systems and minimally invasive devices. Mediflex continues to retain an industry-leading position with the FlexArmTM and StrongArmTM surgical holding arms, Booker ® and Nathanson retractor systems, Cutting EdgeTM disposable tip laparoscopic instruments and Laparo-Flex TM selfforming articulating retractor brands. Mediflex continues to expand its product portfolio to include innovative, timesaving, cost-effective devices for enhanced patient outcomes. Contact: Joan Carter- Director, Marketing and Business Development Mediflex Surgical Products www.mediflex.com [email protected] +1 (631) 582.6424 ext.