ORANGEBURG, N.Y., Aug. 1, 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 research study completed by the Department of Anesthesiology at Detroit Medical Center. The research compares the cost and time efficiency of bronchoscopy using our EndoSheath technology versus conventional bronchoscopes for airway management.  The study, entitled "Reduced Turnover Times Make Flexible Optical Reusable Scope with EndoSheath Technology Significantly Cost Effective," was published in Volume 26, Issue 4, 2012, of the peer-reviewed Journal of Biomedical Research.

Study authors Deepak Gupta et al concluded that fiberoptic bronchoscopy used in the anesthesiology setting with EndoSheath technology saved an estimated $77 per procedure compared to the costs associated with using a conventional Olympus bronchoscope.  They also found that equipment downtime was 24 minutes less with EndoSheath technology, indicating enhanced productivity and the capability to perform the same amount of procedures with less equipment than conventional bronchoscopes.  

"These findings demonstrate the positive cost-savings our EndoSheath technology can have on the healthcare system," stated Cynthia Ansari, CEO of Vision-Sciences.  "Two of the major areas of concern in airway management have been time and the complexity involved in the disinfection of bronchoscopes used in the Anesthesiology and Critical Care settings.  We believe the outcome of this research firmly establishes a substantial cost and time advantage to hospitals in using our sterile, disposable technology over conventional equipment."

Vision-Sciences' proprietary EndoSheath technology provides a sterile, disposable, microbial barrier between the bronchoscope and patient, including a disposable biopsy/suction channel.  This design means that our bronchoscopes never come in direct contact with the patient at any point during the procedure, which in turn allows for a simpler, more efficient cleaning and disinfection routine between examinations.

The study collected and analyzed data over the course of 75 patient procedures and evaluated the cost and time associated with bronchoscopy used for intubation, including the costs related to capital equipment, service/maintenance, disinfection, and staff labor.  The cost associated with bronchoscopy using EndoSheath technology was estimated to be $81.50 per procedure, considerably less than the estimated $158.50 the study authors associated with conventional Olympus bronchoscopes.  Additionally, the turnaround time with the bronchoscope using EndoSheath technology was a rapid 5.44 minutes, compared to 30 minutes with the conventional option.   

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 the following 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.

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Forward Looking Statements

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are any statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are based on Vision-Sciences' current expectations, and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the statements contained herein; risk factors are detailed in our most recent annual report and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. There is no assurance that any future results or events discussed in these statements will be achieved. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.