UTICA, NY, May 28, 2009 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- CONMED Corporation (NASDAQ: CNMD) announced today the full market release of the Zen(TM) Wireless Footswitch and adaptor by its CONMED Linvatec arthroscopy unit.

The Zen(TM) Wireless Footswitch offers reliable wireless operation of CONMED Linvatec powered handpieces with an ergonomic design that provides improved flexibility, efficiency and safety in the operating room. The system uses a low power communications protocol for a highly reliable two-way communication with unmatched control and responsiveness.

The system consists of an adaptor that easily installs into existing CONMED Linvatec power consoles eliminating the need for additional electronics, saving valuable operating room space. The adaptor synchs with the footswitch with the touch of a button and a press of the pedal. The Zen(TM) does not require a water proof bag, so the foot pedal can be easily placed anywhere in the operating room without the usual challenges of moisture and cord management. The transmitter takes its power directly from the console resulting in an extra long life of the Zen's standard D cell battery pack.

Dr. Chris Dougherty, of The Agility Center, Bentonville, AR, stated, "I would not consider doing a hip arthroscopy again without this footswitch. The ergonomics and form of this device differentiate it from other corded pedals in the surgical field."

"Our mission is to provide arthroscopic surgeons with advanced technological solutions that meet their needs in the operating room," said Joseph Darling, President of CONMED Linvatec. "The Zen(TM) system is the perfect example of our ability to produce these innovative products."

The Zen(TM) Footswitch console controller joins the growing number of products in the CONMED Linvatec Arthroscopy line including the Thorne Chuck(TM), Advantage(TM), E9000(TM), and Pro2000(TM) brands.

ABOUT CONMED

CONMED is a medical technology company with an emphasis on surgical devices and equipment for minimally invasive procedures and monitoring. The Company's products serve the clinical areas of arthroscopy, powered surgical instruments, electrosurgery, cardiac monitoring disposables, endosurgery and endoscopic technologies. They are used by surgeons and physicians in a variety of specialties including orthopedics, general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, and gastroenterology. Headquartered in Utica, New York, the Company's 3,200 employees distribute its products worldwide from several manufacturing locations.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on certain assumptions and contingencies that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and relate to the Company's performance on a going-forward basis. The forward-looking statements in this press release involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results, performance or trends, to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements herein or in previous disclosures. The Company believes that all forward-looking statements made by it have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs or projections as expressed in the forward-looking statements will actually occur or prove to be correct. In addition to general industry and economic conditions, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to: (i) the failure of any one or more of the assumptions stated above, to prove to be correct; (ii) the risks relating to forward-looking statements discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008; (iii) cyclical purchasing patterns from customers, end-users and dealers; (iv) timely release of new products, and acceptance of such new products by the market; (v) the introduction of new products by competitors and other competitive responses; (vi) the possibility that any new acquisition or other transaction may require the Company to reconsider its financial assumptions and goals/targets; and/or (vii) the Company's ability to devise and execute strategies to respond to market conditions.

SOURCE: CONMED Corporation