Mayo Clinic Performs First U.S. Procedure Of Novel Implant To Treat Fecal Incontinence

St Paul, MN /PRNewswire/ - Torax Medical announced today that the FENIX® Continence Restoration System for the treatment of fecal incontinence was implanted in the first U.S. patients. Dr. Paul Pettit, Associate Professor at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL performed the procedures on April 8, 2016. Dr. Pettit who has been treating fecal incontinence (FI), also known as accidental bowel leakage (ABL) for over 30 years commented, "Currently, if patients are not happy with their quality of life after conservative and less invasive therapy, the only surgical option that stands between them and a colostomy is the newly-available FENIX device. Here at the Mayo Clinic, we are excited to be able to offer this new treatment to our patients."

The FENIX Continence Restoration System

The FENIX Continence Restoration System is designed to treat fecal incontinence by restoring the barrier function of the anal sphincter muscle. The FENIX System is a small, flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The magnetic attraction between the beads maintains the sphincter barrier. Intentional passage of stool can separate the beads allowing the device to expand. The FENIX System begins working immediately after implant and does not require activation by the patient or post-operative adjustments by a physician. FENIX does require a surgical procedure and is associated with potential risks and contraindications. For more information on the benefits and risk of FENIX, please visit www.toraxmedical.com.

The Disease
Fecal Incontinence affects an estimated 30 million people in the U.S. and Europe alone. FI results from damage or weakening of the anal sphincter muscle. The disease primarily affects women, but men can also develop FI. The impact of FI on patients' quality of life is debilitating, causing absence from work, constant risk of embarrassment, and the freedom to engage in routine activities. Current treatment options are very limited with many patients ultimately requiring a colostomy.

About Torax Medical Inc.
Torax Medical, Inc. is a privately-held medical device company headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota that develops and markets products designed to treat sphincter disorders utilizing its technology platform, Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA). Torax Medical markets the LINX® Reflux Management System for the treatment of GERD in the U.S. and Europe and the FENIX® Continence Restoration System for the treatment of Fecal Incontinence (FI) in the U.S. under a Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) and in Europe. For more information, please visit www.toraxmedical.com.