The total number of U.S. surgical procedures was approximately 32 million in 1996, and is anticipated to increase to 36 million by the year 2001. The worldwide prevalence for single-use products is not as great as in the United States. However, as affordability and the same trends as the domestic market take hold throughout the world, an increase of single-use products is anticipated. Electrosurgery is being utilized in such medical procedures as dermatology, gynecology, plastic, general and laproscopic surgeries. Battery operated cauteries represent the Company's largest product line.
Battery operated cauteries are primarily, a sterile one-time use product.
The Company estimates it manufactures more types of cauteries than any other company in the world, including a line of replaceable battery and tip cauteries, which are popular in overseas markets. Electrosurgical Products Electrosurgical products include electrodes, electrosurgical pencils, and various ancillary disposable products. These products are used in surgery for the cutting and coagulation of tissues and constitute the Company's second largest product line and are compatible with all major manufacturers electrosurgical generator products. The Aaron 1250 is a 120-watt generator that is used in a variety of specialties including dermatology, gynecology, and plastic surgery. The unit is a 30-watt high frequency generator used mainly in doctors' offices for removing small skin lesions and growths.