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 Spectranetics' 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.
“You can't underestimate the power and need of effective training in today's patient care environment. I am looking forward to offering this simulation to my fellows as part of their fellowship training.”
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 MSC'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 "virtual" 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.
"I am so pleased to be a part of this needed project in the peripheral atherectomy space," said Dr. Grayson Wheatley, Vascular Surgeon at Arizona Heart. "You can't underestimate the power and need of effective training in today's patient care environment. I am looking forward to offering this simulation to my fellows as part of their fellowship training." Dr. Richard Kovach, Director, Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Chair, Endovascular Medicine at Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, New Jersey, said, "The degree of visual realism is remarkable and the tactile feedback very closely mimics what is actually encountered in a live case."
"There is a growing emphasis and need to train physicians on complex cases in a safe, virtual environment," said Jason Hein, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Development. "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." The Simulation system, along with Spectranetics' 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.
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