PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE - PVD

PVD is a common circulatory disease in which the arteries that carry blood to the legs or arms become narrowed or clogged. The most common cause is atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The disease causes compromised blood flow, which manifests as claudication (leg pain after exercise). It may be acutely compounded by either emboli or thrombi, and patients are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke. In advanced cases, the patient may feel burning or aching pain in the foot and toes while resting, and ulcers may develop. Untreated PVD can lead to gangrene, a serious condition that may require amputation of a leg, foot or toes. PVD is a chronic, progressive and debilitating disease of nearly pandemic proportion. Risk factors for PVD include high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity or history of cardiovascular disease.

Statistics:
• It is estimated that PVD affects 10 million patients in the US
• Incidence is expected to increase significantly over the next several years as the population ages.
• Between 20 and 30 per cent of patients over 60 years of age have PVD.
• Approximately 30 per cent of patients will ultimately require open surgical or percutaneous revascularization. The five-year mortality rate for patients with PVD approaches 30 per cent
• Life expectancy of PVD patients is reduced by 10 years

Clinical Value:
The ODISsey Tissue Oximeter takes direct measurement of tissue oxygen saturation levels in real time. It is easy for physicians to use and provides a quick, reliable measurement, non-invasively. The Company expects ODISsey to quickly become the standard of care for screening, diagnosing and monitoring PVD patients.

Note: Some of the applications discussed in the Application and Future Applications section are for research purposes only.