Conavi Medical Applauds New American Journal of Cardiology Study Highlighting Importance of Intracoronary Imaging During PCI

Rhea-AI Summary

Conavi Medical (OTCQB: CNVIF) highlights a significant study published in The American Journal of Cardiology regarding intracoronary imaging (ICI) during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The study, analyzing over 1.8 million patient records, reveals that only 13.5% of patients received image-guided PCI by 2020, despite its proven benefits.

The company's Novasight Hybrid System, which uniquely combines intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in a single platform, addresses key adoption barriers identified in the study. The system provides co-registered imaging in real-time, streamlining workflow and reducing procedural complexity while supporting recent Class IA recommendations in the 2024 ESC and 2025 ACC/AHA guidelines for complex PCI cases.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Low current adoption rate of image-guided PCI (13.5%) indicates market penetration challenges
• Multiple adoption barriers exist including clinical inertia and training requirements

TORONTO, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Conavi Medical Inc. (TSXV: CNVI) (OTCQB: CNVIF), a leader in hybrid intracoronary imaging technologies, is pleased to highlight the recent publication in The American Journal of Cardiology titled “Regional Disparities and Predictors of Intracoronary Imaging Use During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the United States”. This comprehensive analysis, based on over 1.8 million patient records, underscores both the underutilization and growing clinical importance of intracoronary imaging (ICI) during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

The peer-reviewed article, authored by leading interventional cardiologists at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and other prominent U.S. institutions, found that ICI—including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT)—significantly improves outcomes in PCI, yet remains underused, with only 13.5% of patients receiving image-guided PCI by 2020.

Importantly, the study highlights growing momentum for ICI adoption, driven in part by recent upgrades in international guidelines, including Class IA recommendations in the 2024 ESC and 2025 ACC/AHA guidelines for complex PCI cases.

“This research confirms what many in the field have long known—that intracoronary imaging is vital to delivering safe, effective interventions, especially in complex lesions,” said Thomas Looby, CEO  of Conavi Medical. “As the only commercial provider of a hybrid IVUS+OCT system, Conavi is well-positioned to support this clinical shift with our Novasight Hybrid System, which delivers co-registered IVUS and OCT imaging in real time.”

Conavi’s Novasight Hybrid System is designed to address many of the barriers to adoption identified in the article, including lack of technical training, procedural complexity, and imaging interpretation. By unifying IVUS and OCT in a single platform, Novasight can enable physicians to access the complementary strengths of both modalities—IVUS for plaque burden and sizing/placing stents and OCT for lesion morphology and assessing stent expansion —with a streamlined workflow.

“This landmark publication adds to the growing body of evidence in favour of image-guided PCI, and we are proud to be part of a global movement toward better, evidence-based coronary care,” added Mr. Looby.

Novasight Hybrid: Designed to Overcome Adoption Barriers

The journal article identifies key factors limiting the adoption of ICI—many of which Conavi Medical’s Novasight Hybrid System is designed to address:

• Clinical Inertia & Lack of Training: Recent guideline upgrades are expected to help overcome inertia. Novasight is uniquely positioned as an educational platform, delivering both IVUS and OCT simultaneously to help physicians train and build confidence in both modalities.
• Unfamiliarity with Technology & Complex Image Interpretation: Novasight simplifies ICI by delivering co-registered IVUS and OCT on a single screen. This reduces learning curves and enhances physician interpretation by providing complementary information—IVUS for vessel sizing and OCT for plaque and stent detail.
• Additional Instrumentation & Workflow Complexity: Novasight reduces procedural complexity by eliminating the need for separate IVUS and OCT systems and catheters, streamlining lab workflows and equipment demands.
• Procedure Time, Radiation & Contrast Concerns: Novasight offers IVUS-only imaging when needed, ideal for patients with renal insufficiency or when minimizing contrast is critical. The next-generation system is designed for procedural efficiency, with setup and use optimized for clinical practicality.
• Cost & Reimbursement Issues: In regions facing resource constraints, Novasight’s “one system, one catheter” approach presents a cost-effective and operationally streamlined alternative to using two separate imaging platforms.

To read the full study, visit: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2025.06.017

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 conavi.com .

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 www.sedarplus.com). 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.

Contacts
Stefano Picone
Chief Financial Officer
(416) 483-0100

FAQ

What did the American Journal of Cardiology study reveal about CNVIF's market opportunity?

The study revealed that only 13.5% of patients received image-guided PCI by 2020, indicating a significant market opportunity for Conavi Medical's Novasight Hybrid System in the underserved intracoronary imaging market.

How does Conavi Medical's Novasight Hybrid System differ from competitors?

Novasight is the only commercial system that combines both IVUS and OCT imaging in a single platform, offering co-registered imaging in real-time with a streamlined workflow.

What are the key barriers to adoption that CNVIF's Novasight system addresses?

Novasight addresses clinical inertia, training needs, complex image interpretation, workflow complexity, and cost concerns through its unified platform approach and streamlined operation.

How does the recent guideline update impact Conavi Medical's market position?

The Class IA recommendations in the 2024 ESC and 2025 ACC/AHA guidelines for complex PCI cases strengthen Conavi's market position by supporting increased adoption of intracoronary imaging.

What clinical benefits does CNVIF's Novasight Hybrid System provide?

The system provides complementary imaging benefits: IVUS for plaque burden and stent sizing, and OCT for lesion morphology and stent expansion assessment, all in a single platform.