THE SAGE GROUP Reports That the PAD Endovascular Device Market Exceeds $1 Billion.

ATLANTA -- A recent analysis published by THE SAGE GROUP found that from 2003 to 2005 the dollar value of endovascular devices employed to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD) increased by almost 50%. E[acute accent]"This exceptional growth reflects the convergence of several catalysts," stated Mary L. Yost, President of THE SAGE GROUP. "The 2004 and 2005 introduction of new endovascular technologies enabled more effective and less invasive treatment of femoropopliteal and tibial disease, especially in patients suffering from critical limb ischemia (CLI)," she continued. E[acute accent]"Key endovascular introductions included FoxHollow Technologies' SilverHawk atherectomy catheter, Spectranetics CLiRpath laser and the PolarCath cryoplasty system (CryoVascular Systems/Boston Scientific)," elaborated Yost. "In addition, educational efforts by the sponsoring companies raised awareness of PAD therapies among interventionalists as well as key referring physician groups," Yost explained. E[acute accent]"Over the past three years the interventional community (cardiologists, interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons) has been offered an expanding array of specialized continuing medical education and training courses focusing on PAD. We believe that growing knowledge of the new treatment options has begun to increase the number of patients diagnosed and treated," Yost observed. E[acute accent]According to Yost, "In addition to higher procedure volumes, the dollar value of the PAD interventional market increased significantly due to a mix-shift to new, higher-priced endovascular therapies. "By year end 2005 we estimate that combined sales of the SilverHawk, the CLiRpath laser and the PolarCath system accounted for over 55% of the dollar value of the angioplasty/atherectomy market," she concluded. E[acute accent]"Although it might seem that this dramatic shift to higher-priced technologies adds to health care inflation, this is not necessarily the case," emphasized Yost. "If longer-term data demonstrates improved clinical outcomes, fewer procedural complications, shorter procedure times and/or higher amputation free-survival rates, one or all of these therapies could prove to be cost-effective in treating CLI," she explained. E[acute accent]PAD, also known as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), is characterized by a reduction of blood flow to the lower limbs due to atherosclerosis, commonly called hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which the walls of the arteries thicken and harden as a result of the build-up of fatty deposits (plaque) on their inner lining. E[acute accent]In the later stages of PAD (critical limb ischemia or CLI) blood flow is so inadequate that ulcerations and gangrene occur. Once PAD has progressed to CLI, the risks of limb loss and mortality increase. At six months approximately 20% of those with CLI will die; another 35% will experience amputation. E[acute accent]According to THE SAGE GROUP, approximately 160,000 PAD-related amputations are performed annually in the U.S.

E[acute accent]Peripheral Arterial Disease Endovascular Market Analysis by Vascular Territory

E[acute accent]PAD Endovascular Market Analysis by Vascular Territory represents the latest publication in a series of reports analyzing the market opportunity for treatment of PAD. This report employs ICD-9 data to assess the endovascular procedure market for the treatment of aortoiliac, femoropopliteal, and tibial disease. For each of these vascular territories angioplasty/atherectomy and stent usage is projected for 2003 through 2020. E[acute accent]Previous publications focused on Acute Limb Ischemia, as well as on pharmaceutical and interventional markets.

E[acute accent]About THE SAGE GROUP

E[acute accent]THE SAGE GROUP, a research and consulting company, specializes in disease in the lower limbs. Current research focuses on atherosclerotic disease, specifically PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease), CLI (Critical Limb Ischemia) and ALI (Acute Limb Ischemia). E[acute accent]For additional information visit www.thesagegroup.us.

E[acute accent]DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

E[acute accent]Principals of THE SAGE GROUP own shares of Spectranetics, Corp.