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Spectranetics Introduces First Advanced System for Simulation of Peripheral Vascular Arterial Occlusions

^{Published on 2011-05-31 04:10:40 - Market Wire}
 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Spectranetics Corporation (NASDAQ: SPNC) today announced it will showcase a new advanced peripheral atherectomy simulation system at the New Cardiovascular Horizons meeting in New Orleans. The new simulation system is intended to augment traditional procedural training for physicians on plaque removal procedures by permitting hands-on practice with Spectraneticsa™ industry leading tools and techniques to cross, prepare, and remove peripheral arterial occlusions in virtual case scenarios both above the knee and below the knee.

"The peripheral vascular excimer laser simulation system further demonstrates our commitment to providing physicians with tools to assist them in achieving safe and effective patient outcomes."

Given the rapidly growing problem of peripheral arterial disease in an aging, growing population, Spectranetics is committed to creating a safe, realistic learning environment via simulation for fellows seeking additional laser training as well as experienced physicians looking to enhance a specific skill in the procedure. Once again, Spectranetics has partnered with Medical Simulation Corporation (MSC) to develop the customized Laser Atherectomy Simulator in conjunction with MSCa™s SimSuite® simulation technology platform. Last year, Spectranetics unveiled a laser lead extraction simulator at the Heart Rhythm Society meeting in May. Building on the success of simulation training, this new simulation system features simulated patient scenarios that allow physicians to manipulate lesion crossing and ablating tools with tactile feedback and visual diagnostics such as avirtuala x-ray and IVUS imagery that closely mimics real-world patient scenarios. Physicians are able to experience the force interactions coinciding with successful techniques and encounter potential complications to learn avoidance and management skills. The simulation system specifically incorporates use of the Spectranetics QuickCross® Crossing Catheters, Turbo Elite® peripheral laser ablation catheter, and the Turbo Tandem® peripheral laser ablation catheter designed for larger vessels. Only Spectranetics offers a solution for crossing lesions without a guidewire via industry leading laser technology as well as the ability to treat from the tip in distal lesions.

aI am so pleased to be a part of this needed project in the peripheral atherectomy space,a said Dr. Grayson Wheatley, Vascular Surgeon at Arizona Heart. aYou cana™t underestimate the power and need of effective training in todaya™s patient care environment. I am looking forward to offering this simulation to my fellows as part of their fellowship training.a Dr. Richard Kovach, Director, Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Chair, Endovascular Medicine at Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, New Jersey, said, aThe degree of visual realism is remarkable and the tactile feedback very closely mimics what is actually encountered in a live case.a

aThere is a growing emphasis and need to train physicians on complex cases in a safe, virtual environment,a said Jason Hein, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Development. aThe peripheral vascular excimer laser simulation system further demonstrates our commitment to providing physicians with tools to assist them in achieving safe and effective patient outcomes.a The Simulation system, along with Spectraneticsa™ solutions for coronary and peripheral vascular lesion management, can be viewed at Booth 202 at New Cardiovascular Horizons Exhibit, which is taking place June 1-4, 2011 at the New Orleans Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Simulation opportunities for physicians will become available this summer through a variety of educational forums.

About Spectranetics

Spectranetics develops, manufactures, markets and distributes single-use medical devices used in minimally invasive procedures within the cardiovascular system. The Companya™s products are sold in 40 countries throughout the world and are used to treat arterial blockages in the heart and legs as well as the removal of pacemaker and defibrillator leads.

The Companya™s Vascular Intervention (VI) products include a range of peripheral and cardiac laser catheters for ablation of occluded arteries above and below the knee and within coronary arteries. The Company also markets aspiration and thrombectomy catheters for the removal of thrombus and support catheters to facilitate crossing of coronary and peripheral arterial blockages.

The Lead Management (LM) product line includes excimer laser sheaths and cardiac lead management accessories for the removal of pacemaker and defibrillator cardiac leads.

For more information, visit [ www.spectranetics.com ].

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are based on current assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties may include insufficient insurance coverage or the denial of insurance coverage related to legal costs or any settlement or judgment in connection with legal proceedings, including legal proceedings in which the Company may have an indemnification obligation, adverse impact to our business of the recently enacted healthcare reform bill and related legislation, continued or worsening adverse conditions in the general domestic and global economic markets and continued volatility and disruption of the credit markets, which, among other things, affects the ability of hospitals and other health care systems to obtain credit and may impede our access to capital, market acceptance of excimer laser atherectomy technology, increasing price and product competition, increased pressure on expense levels resulting from expanded sales, marketing, product development and clinical activities, uncertain success of the Company's strategic direction, dependence on new product development, intellectual property claims of third parties, availability of inventory from suppliers, adverse outcome of FDA inspections, the receipt of FDA approval to market new products or applications and the timeliness of any approvals, market acceptance of new products or applications, product defects, ability to manufacture sufficient volumes to fulfill customer demand, availability of vendor-sourced components at reasonable prices, unexpected delays or costs associated with the Company's relocation and consolidation of its manufacturing operations, and price volatility due to the initiation or cessation of coverage, or changes in ratings, by securities analysts. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any anticipated results, performance or achievements, please see the Company's previously filed SEC reports. Spectranetics disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any financial projections or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.