ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Results from the latest generation of the long-term Framingham Heart Study were presented today here at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions. The data indicates a strong relationship between decreased microvascular function and cardiovascular risk.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071107/DC06799 )
Itamar Medical’s ENDO-Pat device was the diagnostic tool used in this phase of the Framingham study, which found a link between endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk factors including cholesterol, blood pressure and being overweight. In light of this latest scientific confirmation of PAT technology, Itamar Medical will now promote widespread clinical use of this approach for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Based on several new studies released here, combined with earlier numerous successful trials of the Endo-PAT at the Mayo Clinic, Harvard University and other academic medical centers, Itamar Medical is now ready to make Endo-PAT Technology available to clinicians beyond the research environment.
The Endo-PAT, developed by Itamar Medical, is the only FDA approved non-invasive device that reliably detects a pathology called endothelial dysfunction. The condition refers to an impairment of the endothelial layer, which is the inner tissue lining of the blood vessels and is emerging as a key precursor for the development of atherosclerosis -- a major component in cardiac disease, the nation’s number one killer.
The non-invasive Endo-PAT device, based on PAT technology, measures subtle but significant vaso-motion changes through a small thimble-like probe placed over a person’s index finger. Tests administered with the Endo-PAT provide clinicians and researchers an effective tool for the detection of endothelial dysfunction. Early detection has the potential to reduce the medical and cost burden of cardiovascular disease. Valuable diagnostic information can be obtained from the Endo-PAT at a fraction of the cost of other established approaches which can only be administered by a skilled technician and even then are too operator dependent.
In addition to the data from the Framingham Heart Study, that showed in a large population base study an association between the Endo-PAT results and several risk factors, three other oral presentations from Britain and Sweden showed the relevancy of endothelial function assessment with the Endo-PAT in other conditions in children and adults.
About Itamar Medical
Itamar Medical Ltd., established in 1997, is a public (TASE: ITMR) medical technology company that developed the proprietary PAT(TM) (Peripheral Arterial Tone) signal technology and applications. The PAT signal is a non-invasive “window” to the cardiovascular system and the autonomic nervous system. For more information, visit www.itamar-medical.com
CONTACT: Laura Mulhern, +1-717-991-8509,
laura.mulhern@Hillandknowlton.com; or Yvette Watson, +1-202-944-1969,
yvette.watson@hillandknowlton.com, both for Itamar