ORANGEBURG, N.Y., May 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vision-Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:VSCI), a leading provider of unique flexible endoscopic products utilizing its proprietary sterile disposable EndoSheath® technology, today announced positive findings from a 426-patient multi-center research study evaluating the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and yield of unsedated transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) using Vision-Sciences' EndoSheath technology to diagnose esophageal neoplasia. The study, entitled "Feasibility, safety, acceptability, and yield of office-based, screening transnasal esophagoscopy," was published in the May 2012 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
The study authors concluded that unsedated TNE is a feasible, safe and well-tolerated method to screen for esophageal disease in a primary care population.
"The results of this significant research demonstrate the simplicity and efficacy of the TNE procedure and our EndoSheath technology," stated Cynthia Ansari, CEO of Vision-Sciences. "A key component to managing growing esophageal cancer rates is early detection, and our TNE system represents the best solution for patient management and cost effective diagnostic examinations."
Esophageal adenocarcinoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and most people who develop the disease have not previously been screened nor had a precancerous lesion identified. An emerging procedure, TNE allows for immediate visual diagnosis and treatment of the esophageal anatomy. The procedure involves inserting a small, thin endoscope through the nose of a patient to view the larynx, esophagus, and stomach without requiring sedation, as is common with larger endoscopes. Vision-Sciences' TNE system uses EndoSheath technology, which ensures sterility and provides the physician with greater practice efficiency.
Of the 426 patients enrolled in this study, 38% of participants had an esophageal diagnosis which changed treatment management, including the detection of Barrett's Esophagus, a potential precursor to cancer. Importantly, patients generally reported that the procedure was well-tolerated, with 99% of those enrolled completing the examination (n=422). The mean examination time was 3.7 minutes. No serious adverse events were reported, and 2.8% of participants reported minor complications (n=12). Researchers determined that a screening program using EndoSheath technology could be much more cost-efficient than the current models. The study was conducted at two outpatient tertiary-care centers.
Vision-Sciences will exhibit its TNE system and EndoSheath technology at two upcoming medical conferences: Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2012 (May 20-22; booth #2219) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 29th Annual Meeting (June 19-21; booth #210). Both conferences will be held in San Diego, California. DDW, one of the largest medical conferences in the world, attracts approximately 15,000 digestive disorder physicians, surgeons, researchers and academics from around the world who take part in scientific courses, and research presentations, as well as hands-on instructional courses. The ASMBS conference attracts over 2,000 surgeons, physicians, and integrated health professionals specializing in the area of weight loss treatment and surgery.
About Vision-Sciences, Inc.
Vision-Sciences, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for endoscopy – the science of using an instrument, known as an endoscope, to provide minimally invasive access to areas not readily available to the human eye. Vision-Sciences' unique flexible endoscopic products utilize a streamlined visualization system and proprietary sterile disposable sheaths, known as EndoSheath technology, to provide users quick, efficient endoscope turnover while ensuring enhanced patient safety through the use of sterile, single-use technology. Within its medical segment, Vision-Sciences targets five main areas for its fiber and video endoscopes and EndoSheath technology: urology, pulmonology, gastroenterology (GI), ENT (ear, nose and throat) and spine. Vision-Sciences owns the registered trademarks Vision Sciences®, Slide-On®, EndoSheath®, EndoWipe® and The Vision System®. Information about Vision-Sciences' products is available at www.visionsciences.com.
The Vision-Sciences, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3876
Forward Looking Statements
Except for the historical information provided, the matters discussed in this release include forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor protections under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as Vision-Sciences or its management "believes," "expects," "allows," "anticipates," or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements in this release that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions, or goals are also forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Other risk factors are detailed in our most recent annual report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.