Galil Medical Announces Reimbursement for Small Renal Cancer Cryoablation in Japan

ARDEN HILLS, Minnesota, August 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Cryotherapy Continues to Grow as the Treatment of Choice for Renal Tumors Around the World

Galil Medical, a global leader in minimally invasive cryotherapy treatments, announced today that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has approved reimbursement for small renal cancer cryoablation using a percutaneous approach, as well as under open or endoscopic surgery.

 "We appreciate the MHLW reimbursement decision as this will allow Japanese patients to have greater access to renal cryoablation and benefit from Galil's advanced technology," commented Martin Emerson, Galil Medical President and CEO.

Galil Medical's CryoHit/SeedNet for MRI received approval for small renal tumor cryoablation under MRI-guidance in January 2010 from the MHLW. The regulatory and reimbursement approval processes have been spearheaded by Hitachi Medical Corporation, Galil Medical's exclusive distribution partner in Japan.

Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy tumors. Visualization with MR imaging monitors the ablation zone of the tumor and minimizes impact to healthy adjacent tissue.

Standard treatment options for renal cancer include total and partial nephrectomy, open and laparoscopic procedures.  Minimally invasive ablative therapies, such as percutaneous cryotherapy, are increasingly accepted treatment options due to favorable clinical outcomes, reduced procedural pain, fewer complications and faster patient recovery. 

About Galil Medical Galil Medical is a global leader in delivering innovative cryotherapy solutions. The company is addressing patient conditions across multiple physician specialties; treatment areas include conditions affecting bone, kidney, liver, lung and prostate, as well as targeted pain and nerve applications. Company offices are located in Arden Hills, Minnesota; Yokneam, Israel; and London, United Kingdom. Shareholders include Thomas, McNerney & Partners, The Vertical Group, and Investor Growth Capital.

Contact information:

Pam Schwartz
Asia Pacific Manager
Galil Medical
T: +972-4-909-3273
M: +972-52-625-4443
F: +972-4-959-1077
pam.schwartz@galilmedical.com

Lisa Hayden
Vice President, Global Reimbursement
Galil Medical
T: +1-877-639-2796 option #4
M: +1-703-209-7774
F: +1-651-287-5125
lisa.hayden@galilmedical.com