Veran Medical Technologies Launches SPiNDrive® 2.0, as American College of Chest Physicians Recognizes This Technology in New Guidelines

ST. LOUIS, June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Veran Medical Technologies, the electromagnetic navigation experts and original creator of Always-On Tip Tracked^® instruments, announced today the launch of SPiNDrive^® 2.0 software. Veran's SPiNDrive 2.0 is an electromagnetic navigation platform that allows physicians to biopsy solitary pulmonary nodules for the potential early diagnosis of lung cancer. Veran's SPiNDrive technology is included in the new American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) Guidelines for establishing the diagnosis of lung cancer. 

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Lung cancer causes more deaths in men and women than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined¹. If lung cancer is diagnosed at Stage III or IV, the five-year survival rate is only 15%². With early detection, there is an 88% survival rate at ten years and a 92% survival rate with the immediate removal of the lesion³. Prior to the recent development of electromagnetic navigation, as recommended for use in ACCP guidelines, only 16% of lung cancer patients have been diagnosed at an early, localized stage³.

"Veran's electromagnetic navigation technology is essential in the diagnosis of lung cancer at Jupiter Medical Center (JMC)," said Dr. K. Adam Lee, Thoracic Surgeon and Medical Director of Thoracic Surgery. "The SPiNDrive 2.0 technology has an unprecedented ease of use and the ability to utilize existing CT scans if desired. The ACCP specifically recommended this technology in the new lung cancer diagnosis guidelines, mentioning that EMN bronchoscopy shows potential for increasing the diagnostic yield of flexible bronchoscopy for peripheral lung cancers. This announcement confirms that JMC is on the leading edge of the next standard of care."

Veran's SPiNDrive^® 2.0 platform still uses the original Always-On Tip Tracked^® instruments with electromagnetic sensors used to navigate to the periphery of the bronchial tree, which was difficult to reach until now. The procedure may lead to the biopsy of a lesion or fiducial marker placement for the potential treatment of lung cancer.  

"Detecting cancer at an earlier stage is saving lives," said Jason Pesterfield, President and CEO of Veran Medical Technologies. "Veran is partnering with hospitals and physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer at an earlier stage, reducing watchful waiting. We are excited that our technology is recommended in the ACCP's new guidelines and that Veran is fundamental in the fight against cancer." 

About Veran Medical Technologies. Veran Medical Technologies is a privately held soft tissue navigation company focused on the early diagnosis of cancer. Multiple specialties use Veran's electromagnetic navigation platform to enhance hospital oncology programs. The technology is used to assist with lung, kidney and liver procedures endobronchially or percutaneously for biopsies, ablations, drainages and more.  Veran Medical Technologies is headquartered in St. Louis, MO.

References:  1) American College of Chest Physicians www.chestnet.org/lungcancer. 2) The International Early Lung Cancer Action Program Investigators. Survival of patients with stage I lung cancer detected on CT screening. The New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 355:1763-1771. 3) Ries L, Eisner M, Kosary C, et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2003, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda MD, http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2003/.

Veran Medical Technologies Media Contact

Michelle Good, Marketing Manager | 314.659.8500 | www.veranmedical.com

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SOURCE Veran Medical Technologies