Spectros T-Stat Shown to Be Earliest Available Method for Detection of Surgical Skin Flap Compromise After Surgery

PORTOLA VALLEY, California, October 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

In an independent study published in the Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio have found that the Spectros T-Stat® oximeter responds earliest to compromised blood flow during reconstructive microsurgery when compared clinically to other available monitors.

This landmark study by Dr. Cornejo and colleagues is important as compromised blood flow to microvascular free flaps causes irreversible damage and/or complete loss of the flap, resulting in longer hospital stays and additional costs to both hospital and patient. While a detailed economic analysis was not an endpoint of this study, earlier detection of tissue compromise results in an improved patient outcome and overall reduced hospital costs.

"These are very strong results supporting the superiority of the T-Stat VLS Oximeter," noted CEO and physician Dr. David Benaron, "This study provides solid evidence that the Spectros broadband light technologies offer the earliest and most sensitive detection of tissue compromise, and suggests that all reconstructive surgery cases can benefit from T-Stat monitoring."

Spectros oximeters are currently the only broadband solid-state tissue oximeters on the market in the U.S. and Europe. T-Stat patented broadband technology provides continuous and real-time absolute measurement of tissue hemoglobin oxygenation using 100s of wavelengths of light, a key advantage over competing oximeter product lines that only use 2 or 4 wavelengths. An expanded array of broadband sensors, including NIRS Continuum® cerebral sensor, is currently in testing, with FDA and EU approval anticipated in 2012.

In reconstructive surgery, T-Stat competes with T.Ox® oximeters marketed by ViOptix and Doppler marketed by Cook Medical. In critical care, the ICU and O.R., T-Stat competes with INVOS® oximeters marketed by Covidien and FORE-SIGHT® oximeters marketed by CAS Medical.

About Spectros

Spectros markets and licenses advanced molecular sensing and imaging devices that shed light on ischemia and cancer. T-Stat was the first medical device FDA-approved as sensitive to ischemia, an insufficient supply of oxygen to tissue, and remains the only commercially-available tissue oximeter that utilizes state-of-the-art broadband spectroscopy. Spectros is a venture-supported private concern and markets its products in the U.S. and internationally.

Spectros also develops molecular diagnostic tools for breast and prostate cancer, including ProstaFluor® contrast agents, currently entering phase I/II clinical trials supported by the National Cancer Institute.  

(Note:  Forward-looking statements are intended as a guide only, and do not constitute an offer for investment. Certain applications described above have not been reviewed by the FDA or European agencies, and are therefore labeled "for investigational use only." T-Stat and Continuum are trademarks of Spectros. INVOS is a trademark of Somanetics and Covidien. FORE-SIGHT is a trademark of CAS Medical).

For further information, visit http://www.spectros.com.