COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 6, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- May 7 through 10, 2014, Heart Rhythm 2014, the Heart Rhythm Society's 35th Annual Scientific Sessions, convenes in San Francisco, Calif. The Spectranetics Corporation (NASDAQ: SPNC), headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., will focus on management of cardiac device infections and debut of the company's first mechanical lead extraction devices.
According to Donna Ford-Serbu, Senior Vice President, Lead Management Sales and Marketing at Spectranetics, with the worldwide increase in implanted cardiac devices and associated leads, infection is a growing concern.
"More than 6 in 10 patients with device infections may be undertreated or not treated at all," said Ford-Serbu. "Studies show patients are twice as likely to die with a device infection compared to patients without infections. Spectranetics is working to reverse the trend through physician education and awareness as well as technological advancements such as our new mechanical extraction tools to help make cardiac lead extraction safe and predictable."
The new TightRail™ Rotating Mechanical Dilator Sheath and SightRail™ Manual Mechanical Dilator Sheath Set represent Spectranetics' entry into the mechanical extraction device market, complementing the laser-based technology that established the company's leadership position in lead extraction.
TightRail combines unprecedented shaft flexibility and an advanced forward-facing dilating blade that remains shielded until activated by the physician. The SightRail manual dilator sheath features visual indicators that show bevel orientation and tip alignment, supplementing fluoroscopy as a means to determine position and orientation.
Heart Rhythm 2014 is the most comprehensive educational program for heart rhythm professionals, featuring more than 250 educational sessions and more than 130 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services. Attendees will be able to experience Spectranetics' full portfolio of lead extraction options in Booth 2202.
Conference highlights include:
Lead and Device Management Summit, May 7, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Room 2022, Moscone West
Patients are receiving implants earlier and living longer, creating lifelong management implications for leads and devices. This four-part summit, sponsored by Spectranetics, focuses on CIED performance and management, lead extraction, and current trends and topics in CIED treatment.
Lead Extraction Solutions Experience, May 7 – 9, Booth 2202
Hands-on physician experience of the full Spectranetics portfolio, including laser extraction on bovine tissue models and the new TightRail mechanical device.
CIED Interactive Infection Information Station, May 7 – 9, Booth 2202
A 12-iPad display allows physicians to explore www.deviceinfection.com , Spectranetics' physician education and awareness website designed to advance understanding about the prevalence, symptoms and treatment options for CIED infections.
Laser Lead Simulator Training, May 7 – 9, Simulator Tech Suite
Foundational and advanced physician training will be provided on the world's only computerized extraction simulator, developed in partnership with Medical Simulation Corporation (MSC) in conjunction with MSC's SimSuite® simulation technology platform.
Next-generation Solutions: Mechanical Lead Extraction presented by Dr. Charles Love, New York University Hospital, Langone Medical Center, May 8, Booth 2202
Dr. Love is recognized as a pioneer in heart rhythm and is one of the top lead extraction experts in the world, having implanted over 7,000 devices and removed more than 3,000 leads. During this session, he will speak to new devices available to complete the extractor's solution options.
Catch the Bug: Issues and Solutions for CIED Infection, May 8, 3:15 – 4:15 p.m., Exhibit Hall, Moscone South – Rhythm Theatre 2
An expert panel presents a thought-provoking session on the increasing prevalence of CIED infections: how they originate, why they are difficult to diagnose, and why the most common approaches to care are often ineffective.
Expert physician panel includes:
Roger G. Carrillo, MD, FHRS
Chief of Surgical Electrophysiology, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Fla.
"Why is infection a problem, and why are the most common solutions ineffective?"
Charles Kennergren, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Senior Consultant, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
"Identifying Appropriate Treatment Options"
Jude Clancy, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Director, Lead Management Program, Yale Medical Group, New Haven, Conn.
"Strategies for better identification of cardiac device infection in your facility"
Riata: Lead Management Decisions presented by Dr. Jonathan P. Piccini, Sr., MD, MHSc, Duke University, May 9, 9:45 – 10:15 a.m., Booth 2202
Remove or abandon? Dr. Piccini shares learnings from recent Riata studies and discusses implications for lead management professionals.
About Spectranetics
Spectranetics develops, manufactures, markets and distributes single-use medical devices used in minimally invasive procedures within the cardiovascular system. The company's products are sold in more than 40 countries and are used to access and treat arterial blockages in the legs and heart, and to remove pacemaker and defibrillator cardiac leads.
The Company's Vascular Intervention (VI) products include a range of laser catheters for ablation of blockages in arteries above and below the knee. The Company also markets support catheters to facilitate crossing of peripheral and coronary arterial blockages, and retrograde access and guidewire retrieval devices used in the treatment of peripheral arterial blockages, including chronic total occlusions. The Company markets aspiration and cardiac laser catheters to treat blockages in the heart.
The Lead Management (LM) product line includes excimer laser sheaths, mechanical sheaths and accessories for the removal of pacemaker and defibrillator cardiac leads.
For more information, visit www.spectranetics.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and is subject to the safe harbor created by that section. Forward-looking statements contained in this release constitute our expectations or forecasts of future events as of the date this release was issued and are not statements of historical fact. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Such statements may include words such as "anticipate," "will," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "should," "plan," "believe," "hope," "enable," "potential," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of, among other things, clinical trials, future operating or financial performance, strategic initiatives and business strategies, regulatory or competitive environments, our intellectual property and product development. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and to note that they speak only as of the date hereof. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements are set forth in the risk factors listed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Readers are encouraged to review Item 1A. – Risk Factors and all other disclosures appearing in the Spectranetics Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, for further information on risks and uncertainties that could affect Spectranetics' business, financial condition and results of operation. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any financial projections or forward-looking statements due to new information or other events.
Source: The Spectranetics Corporation
Karol Norie Sr. Marketing Communications Manager (719) 447-2463
