About Us Helica instruments is a British company based in Edinburgh, Scotland and was formed in 1993 by the founder and the developer of the "Helica TC" Mr Maurice M. Howieson. The name Helica is an abreviation of Helium - Ion - Coagulation and which specifically refers to the Helica TC an electro-surgical device commonly known as the Helica which in effect is a helium thermal coagulator. As more and more surgery is being performed on a day case basis, surgeons are constantly looking for an electro surgical device that is:

CEO, Maurice M Howieson

Efficient Less likely to cause added complications such as adhesions Safer to use Safer for the patient Less painful for the patient Cost effective

It was the gynaecologists who were the first of the surgical community to recognise the benefits of the Helica as being a more efficient and safer alternative to Diathermy or Laser especially when treating laparascopically "Endometriosis" The key purpose of the Helica Thermal Coagulator (TC) is as an instrument to overcome the problems associated with electro surgical devises in laparoscopic surgery. When compared to other treatments available like Diathermy and Laser, the Helica TC treatment is highly accurate and it is safe to use on all areas affected, even the vital organs such as the bowel and the bladder. These areas are not normally treatable by the other instruments. Working together with the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, problems we faced were overcome and our solution, the Helica Thermal Coagulator was put to the test by standards authorities and medical specialists alike. The innovative thinking and hard work was rewarded by a John Logie Baird award for innovation Whilst the Helica officially has been available since 1993 the first six years of it’s life was spent in further research & development and providing a suitable manufacturing facility for the product. It was also necessary for it to successfully complete an extensive series of surgical evaluations. Most of which took place in Scotland. There are a number of additional study’s amongst other disciplines in a variety of centres of excellence that are either ongoing or are awaiting publication. The Helica Thermal Coagulator now carries’s out over 8000 operations in the UK, increasing every year with great success. We are now expanding into Europe and the USA. We have attended several Gynaecological Conferences held mainly in the USA where the Helica TC has been very well received. We have been actively seeking representatives in the UK and distributors Worldwide and I would like to take this moment to welcome all of them to the Helica team.

Helica Instruments Ltd Block 5 Unit 1 Research & Development Park Heriot Watt University Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AP

Tel: +44 (0)131 449 4933 Fax : +44 (0)131 449 2204 E Mail: info@helica.co.uk