Latest news with #OCT
Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Specsavers set to open in Loblaw stores across Canada
Loblaw Companies Ltd. has got its eyes on a special new partnership with S pecsavers Canada . The companies announced a collaboration, which will see 111 new Specsavers optical locations move into Loblaws-branded stores across Canada. 'The new Specsavers locations will replace the Theodore & Pringle brand, in select Loblaw-owned stores including Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore and Zehrs,' the companies noted in a press release . 'They will offer comprehensive eye care services featuring advanced technology like optical coherence tomography (OCT).' The expansion means there will be more than 260 Specsavers locations across Canada. 'This expansion represents a pivotal moment for eye care accessibility in Canada,' Bill Moir, Specsavers Canada managing director, said. 'By opening 111 new locations within trusted Loblaw locations, we're fundamentally improving how Canadians access the eye care they deserve. Our mission has always been to change lives through better sight; we believe expert eye care and quality eyewear should be affordable for all.' 'Specsavers' reputation for accessible eye care aligns perfectly with our purpose — to help Canadians live life well,' Irene Doody, Loblaw Companies head of optical, said in the press release. 'Specsavers will provide a seamless transition for our optical customers while introducing them to a trusted global leader in eye care.' The first set of Specsavers stores within Loblaws locations is expected to open in some spots by September. Specsavers entered the Canadian market in late 2021, the company added, but it was created in the U.K. more than 40 years ago. There are more than 2,700 locations globally. For more details, visit .
Hamilton Spectator
11 hours ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Novasight™ Hybrid Imaging System Featured in Published JSCAI Case Report Demonstrating Superior Diagnosis and Precision-Guided Therapy in Complex Coronary Case
TORONTO, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Conavi Medical Inc. (TSXV: CNVI) (OTCQB: CNVIF), a leader in hybrid intravascular imaging, is pleased to announce the publication of a compelling case report in the Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (JSCAI) highlighting the clinical impact of the Company's Novasight™ Hybrid IVUS-OCT System in guiding accurate diagnosis and optimal stent placement in a complex coronary artery case. The case was performed, and the images were collected using the first-generation Novasight Hybrid IVUS-OCT system. 'This publication validates our belief that hybrid imaging is the future of precision-guided interventional cardiology,' said Thomas Looby, CEO of Conavi Medical. 'Our goal is to help physicians make faster, more accurate decisions and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Also, this article is based on the first-generation system. We are especially excited about our next-generation Novasight™ Hybrid System, which is designed to deliver enhanced image quality and functionality for even greater physician and patient benefit, and the U.S. FDA 510(k) submission is on track for Q3 2025.' The report, titled 'The Role of Comprehensive Hybrid Imaging in Identification of Plaque Rupture and Ostial Stent Placement: Case Report' (DOI: 10.1016/ details the treatment of a 52-year-old male patient with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and end-stage renal disease. Initial angiography suggested a calcified lesion at the ostium of the right coronary artery (RCA). However, hybrid imaging using the Novasight™ System, integrating both intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), revealed the true culprit: a plaque rupture, not significant calcification. 'Hybrid imaging has the power to transform how we diagnose and treat complex coronary disease,' said Dr. Megha Prasad, co-author of the study and interventional cardiologist. 'In this patient, angiography alone could have potentially led us down the wrong path. The ability to combine the high-resolution structural detail of OCT with the anatomical reference points of IVUS in real time allowed us to correctly identify the plaque rupture and precisely treat the lesion, something neither modality could have done alone.' The case demonstrates how the simultaneous use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) via the Novasight Hybrid catheter enabled physicians to: The publication reinforces the Novasight™ System's role in aligning with new U.S. imaging Class 1A Guidelines for intracoronary imaging and Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) that advocate for broader use of intracoronary imaging in PCI. Conavi's hybrid solution uniquely addresses long-standing barriers to adoption, including the need for separate imaging systems and interpretation challenges, particularly among less experienced operators. Figure 1: Before percutaneous coronary intervention (A) Angiogram of right coronary artery (RCA) lesion; intravenous ultrasound (top) and optical coherence tomography (bottom) visualizations of (B) ostial RCA, (C) conus branch, (D) intraplaque hemorrhage and wire artifact, (E) plaque rupture cavity and wire artifact, and (F) distal reference Figure 2: After percutaneous coronary intervention (A) Angiogram of right coronary artery (RCA) lesion; intravenous ultrasound (top) and optical coherence tomography (bottom) visualizations of (B) proximal edge of stent struts of ostial RCA (demonstrating no extension into the aorta), (C) minimal stent area of 9.40 mm 2 , (D) distal stent edge struts and wire artifact, and (E) the distal reference. About Conavi Medical Corp.: Conavi Medical is focused on designing, manufacturing, and marketing imaging technologies to guide common minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. Its patented Novasight Hybrid™ System is the first system to combine both intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to enable simultaneous and co-registered imaging of coronary arteries. The Novasight Hybrid System has 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; and regulatory approval for clinical use from Health Canada, China's National Medical Products Administration, and Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. For more information, visit . Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws, which reflect the current expectations of management of Conavi's future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as 'may', 'would', 'could', 'will', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'plan', 'expect', 'intend', 'estimate', 'potential for' and similar expressions, although these words may not be present in all forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements that appear in this release may include, without limitation, references to Conavi's plans for the commercialization of its Novasight Hybrid™ System. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs with respect to future events, and are based on information currently available to management that, while considered reasonable by management as of the date on which the statements are made, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies which could result in actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions and many factors could cause Conavi's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to, Conavi's ability to retain key personnel; its ability to execute on its business plans and strategies; and other factors listed in the 'Risk Factors' sections of the joint information circular of Conavi dated August 30, 2024 and in the final short form prospectus of Conavi dated April 15, 2025 (each of which may be viewed at ). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or achievements may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors should be considered carefully, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in the news release are based upon what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions and Conavi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, Conavi cannot assure prospective investors that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Conavi expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All the forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Contact Stefano Picone Chief Financial Officer (416) 483-0100 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
Cision Canada
12 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Specsavers to Open 111 New Optical Locations in Loblaw Grocery Stores Across Canada Français
Specsavers locations will open in select Loblaw grocery stores across Canada – including in Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore and Zehrs stores – while maintaining seamless continuity for customers and patients, and significantly expanding access to advanced eye care services including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology. The expansion also represents Specsavers' entry into five new provinces — New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan — and one new territory, Yukon, while strengthening its presence in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. "This expansion represents a pivotal moment for eye care accessibility in Canada," said Bill Moir, Managing Director of Specsavers Canada. "By opening 111 new locations within trusted Loblaw locations, we're fundamentally improving how Canadians access the eye care they deserve. Our mission has always been to change lives through better sight; we believe expert eye care and quality eyewear should be affordable for all. We are now able to expand that mission across the country, ensuring that more families can access comprehensive optical services in the communities where they already shop." New Specsavers locations will operate within existing Loblaws stores, providing customers and patients with convenient access to comprehensive eye examinations, prescription eyewear, contact lenses, and specialized eye care services. All locations will be staffed by qualified independent optometrists and opticians. "Theodore & Pringle was born from the belief that eye care should be convenient and affordable for everyone," said Irene Doody, Head of Optical, Loblaw Companies Limited. "Specsavers' reputation for accessible eye care aligns perfectly with our purpose - to help Canadians live life well. Specsavers will provide a seamless transition for our optical customers while introducing them to a trusted global leader in eye care." The first wave of new Specsavers locations within Loblaw stores is scheduled to open in September 2025, with additional locations following throughout the remainder of the year. About Specsavers Specsavers is an optometrist-owned business that entered the Canadian market in late 2021. Since then, over 150 locations have opened across the country, in B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba. As part of Specsavers' commitment to accessible eyecare, Specsavers equips every location with optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology, which helps optometrists to detect sight-threatening conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, in their earliest stages. Founded in the UK over 40 years ago by optometrist husband-and-wife team, Doug and Mary Perkins, there are now more than 2,700 Specsavers healthcare businesses globally, serving over 44 million patients and customers. Specsavers is driven by its purpose of "changing lives through better sight" and aims to transform the way Canadians experience eyecare by offering exceptional service, advanced clinical equipment and quality eyewear. For more information, please visit About Loblaw Companies Limited Loblaw is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, and the nation's largest retailer. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, and healthcare services, other health and beauty products, apparel, general merchandise, financial services and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,800 locations, Loblaw, its franchisees and Associate-owners employ more than 220,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers. Loblaw's purpose – Live Life Well ® – puts first the needs and well-being of Canadians who make one billion transactions annually in the company's stores. Loblaw is positioned to meet and exceed those needs in many ways: convenient locations; more than 1,100 grocery stores that span the value spectrum from discount to specialty; full-service pharmacies at nearly 1,400 Shoppers Drug Mart ® and Pharmaprix ® locations and in close to 500 grocery stores; PC Financial ® services; Joe Fresh ® fashion and family apparel; and four of Canada's top-consumer brands in Life Brand ®, Farmer's Market™, no name ® and President's Choice ®. For more information, visit Loblaw's website at and Loblaw's issuer profile at
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Wales Online
Police found suspicious messages on Snapchat - they led them straight to a Cardiff drug dealer
Police found suspicious messages on Snapchat - they led them straight to a Cardiff drug dealer Matthew Jones was found to be playing a leading role in an organised crime group Matthew Jones (Image: South Wales Police ) A 29-year-old man from Llanrumney has been jailed for his role in a major organised crime group supplying Class A and B drugs across Cardiff. Matthew Jones was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, June 27, after admitting multiple drug offences, including being concerned in the supply of heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, and cannabis. He also pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property and driving without a licence or insurance. His arrest followed an investigation by the Cardiff and Vale Organised Crime Team (OCT), which uncovered incriminating messages on Snapchat during a separate inquiry. The messages revealed conversations about the large-scale supply of drugs and the significant profits being made. Don't miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here Detectives later identified Jones as one of the individuals involved in the chat. Evidence showed he was receiving daily updates on drug sales and cash generated, and he was found to be playing a leading role in the network, which was responsible for flooding the streets of Llanrumney with illegal drugs. As part of the investigation, officers linked Jones to the supply of 466 grams of heroin, 1kg of cocaine, and 3kgs of cannabis. Article continues below In addition to his prison sentence, Jones was handed a four-year driving ban. PC Homan said: 'Jones' drug dealing will undoubtedly have impacted the local community, and I'm pleased to see this significant sentence. 'There is zero tolerance for drug supply on our streets, and our organised crime team is committed to identifying and apprehending those involved." Article continues below
Medscape
02-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
OCT Bests Angiography Guidance for Improving PCI Outcomes
An 'optical biopsy' of intravascular plaque during stenting is more effective at reducing the rate of restenosis or thrombosis in people with moderately or severely calcified lesions than angiography guidance, a substudy of the ILUMIEN IV clinical trial has found. Gregg Stone, MD 'We found that in those calcified lesions there was a marked benefit of optical coherence tomography [OCT] guidance compared with angiography guidance in improving long-term outcomes, specifically in reducing the 2-year rate of target vessel failure and serious adverse cardiovascular events, as well as stent thrombosis,' study leader Gregg Stone, MD, director of academic affairs for Mount Sinai Heart Health System in New York City, told Medscape Medical News. Results of the analysis were published in the European Heart Journal . Substudy Results The study included 2114 patients from the ILUMIEN IV clinical trial, which compared OCT- and angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The participants in the substudy had a single treated calcified lesion in a major epicardial vessel. On angiographic guidance, 1082 patients (51.2%) had a moderately or severely calcified lesion and 1032 (48.8%) had no or mild calcification. Using angiographic guidance alone, the rate of target vessel failure at 2 years in the moderately or severely calcified lesions was 93% greater than that in the lesions with no or mild calcification (9.7% vs 5.2%). However, with OCT guidance, the 2-year rates of failure were similar in both groups, 6.8% in the moderately and severely calcified lesions and 7.7% in the no or mildly calcified lesions. With OCT guidance, the 2-year failure rates were 38% lower compared with angiography guidance in the patients with moderately and severely calcified lesions: 6.8% vs 9.7%. The differences in the patients with no or mild calcification were not statistically significant, the substudy found: 7.7% with OCT guidance and 5.2% with angiographic guidance ( P = .01). The three major predictors of vessel failure after PCI, Stone said, are minimal stent area and a major dissection or untreated disease at the edge of the stent. 'The real advantage of optical coherence tomography is that it provides a much more accurate picture than angiography in determining the minimal stent area or in detecting edge-related dissections or significant untreated disease,' he said. The 2024 European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend intravascular imaging as a Class IA indication for anatomically complex lesions, Stone noted; but those guidelines do not specifically call out calcified lesions. 'That's the major gap this study fills,' he said. The American College of Cardiology, in conjunction with the American Heart Association and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention, this year issued a Class 1A recommendation for intracoronary imaging, including OCT, during stenting of the left main artery or for other complex lesions. 'Directly Relatable to the Clinic' While OCT operators need a high level of skill to perform the imaging and interpret the results, the substudy findings are 'quite generalizable to all settings,' Stone said. 'These findings are directly translatable to the clinic, but there's always more fine tuning that can be performed,' he added. That refining would include clarification of the characteristics of calcified plaque on OCT that are at highest risk for target vessel failure, and possibly the need for an advanced strategy of lesion preparation, using either lithotripsy, atherectomy or cutting or scoring balloons, he said. Several calcium scoring classifications for OCT have been proposed, but none has been clinically validated. 'That would be a rich area for future research,' Stone said. Clinical Context Yader Sandoval, MD The new data underscore the value of intravascular imaging, and add to the data supporting OCT specifically, for characterizing plaque in percutaneous coronary intervention, Yader Sandoval, MD, an interventional cardiologist at the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and cochair for the Center for Coronary Artery Disease at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, Minneapolis, told Medscape Medical News . 'This analysis of ILUMIEN IV complements and further adds that this is the right direction that intravascular imaging not only provides superior technical results but it improves outcomes for these patients,' Sandoval said. The substudy clears up a finding from the original ILUMIEN IV study that, while OCT guidance resulted in a larger minimal stent area than angiography guidance, it did not necessarily reduce target vessel failure at 2 years. A strength of the ILUMIEN IV trial was the 'meticulous core laboratory data analysis' used, along with its global scope, he said. The substudy, also reported using OCT guidance, took about 16 minutes longer per procedure than angiography (67.7 minutes vs 51.5 minutes) and required longer fluoroscopy duration and greater total radiation dose, Sandoval said, which could raise questions about the practicality of OCT for this indication. 'The main message is, you are better characterizing calcium and therefore better preparing the lesion and providing a better technical result, better area, and better results for the patient,' he said. 'That comes with the investment that the procedure is little more complex, and you have to do a better job of preparing the lesion. And to me these data elegantly show that.' Abbott Vascular provided funding for this study. Stone reported receiving speaking fees from Abbott. Sandoval reported serving as a consultant, advisory board member, and a speaker for Abbott.
