Breakthrough procedures offer patients minimally invasive solutions

Vein Associates Of America, Inc. (OTC: VNAA), a medical facility dedicated to the treatment of
vein disease, recently opened their Boca Raton clinic to offer residents of
South Florida minimally invasive solutions to troublesome varicose veins,
spider veins and hemorrhoids. Located at 900 Glades Road, on the 2nd Floor,
the new medical center provides patients with an alternative to traditional
hospital surgery. Unlike the pain and long recovery period associated with
vascular diseases, Vein Associates(TM) state-of-the-art medical procedures
have patients back to work with no downtime.
“As many as 60% of all American women and men suffer from some form of
vein disorder, but women are more affected — up to 50% overall,” says David
Stone, MD, RVT of Vein Associates(TM) of Boca Raton. “Being such a prevalent
disease, it’s important to find treatment that is safe, effective and causes
as little discomfort as possible, and that’s what we do.” Using the latest in
computer-based ultrasound, fiber-optic lasers and infrared technology, Vein
Associates(TM) physicians are able to treat patient using procedures that are
virtually painless.
“Our Endovenous Laser Therapy for varicose veins allow patients to get
treatment that is just as effective as hospital surgery but without the severe
pain associated with ’stripping,’” says Dr. Stone. For varicose vein
treatment Vein Associates(TM) physicians use ultrasound to find diseased
veins, then, inserting a fiber-optic laser, the vein is collapsed and absorbed
by the body’s natural process. “It’s important to see a physician if you have
the condition,” says Dr. Stone. “If left untreated varicose veins can cause
serious pain, ulcers and even potentially life threatening blood clots.”
Other treatments at the clinic include Transilluminated Sclerotherapy(TM)
for spider veins in which physicians, with the aid of a Veinlite, insert a
sclerocent solution into the tiny veins causing them to dry up and dissolve.
Dr. Stone points out that unlike potentially harmful varicose veins, spider
veins are not dangerous and tend to be more of a cosmetic procedure.
“We also offer two treatments for patients suffering from hemorrhoids,”
says Dr. Stone. “Our HAL and Infrared Photocoagulation procedures offer
patients relief from an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition.” Vein
Associates(TM) medical centers hold the exclusive rights to the medical
technology used in the HAL procedure, which uses a minimally invasive device
to ligate the artery that feeds the hemorrhoids causing it to dry up and
dissolve.
“Computer-based ultrasound is used in all treatments to confirm venous
deficiency in a patient,” says Dr. Stone. “Once the deficiency is confirmed
our physicians will then recommend the appropriate treatment plan for the
condition. And with the opening of our Boca Raton office we now have the
ability to use our expertise to help people in the South Florida area,
assuring them the best possible treatment for varicose veins and all vein
disorders.”

ANDOVER, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 10, 2005–Diomed Holdings, Inc. (AMEX: DIO), a leading developer and marketer of minimally invasive medical technologies, including its patented EVLT(R) laser treatment for varicose veins, today announced that it has acquired exclusive distribution rights to the VeinViewer(TM) Imaging System for the sclerotherapy, phlebectomy and varicose vein treatment markets in the United States and United Kingdom. The agreement with Luminetx includes both a $1 million phased investment in Luminetx and a grant of warrants to purchase 600,000 shares of Diomed common stock based upon the achievement of certain milestones.

The VeinViewer(TM), cleared by the FDA in 2004, is a breakthrough patented biomedical imaging system developed by Luminetx, Inc. of Memphis, TN. Hailed by Time Magazine as one of the year’s “Coolest Inventions,” the mobile imaging system utilizes infrared light which illuminates on a real-time basis subcutaneous veins to an average depth of 8mm and projects their location on the surface of the skin with an accuracy of 0.06 mm. VeinViewer(TM) is a unique guidance tool allowing physicians to visualize the exact location and orientation of the patient’s veins, thereby providing more precise sclerotherapy and phlebectomy procedures through increased accuracy in vein mapping and imaging.

“We believe that Luminetx’s VeinViewer(TM) will be an important adjunct to our core EVLT(R) business and will enhance our competitive advantage in the treatment of venous disease,” stated Mr. James A. Wylie, President and CEO of Diomed Holdings, Inc. “Additionally, as vein treatment continues its move from the hospital to outpatient facilities and physicians’ offices, we expect to leverage our existing sales and marketing organization by offering physicians an array of medical tools for the treatment of superficial venous disorders, from reflux of the greater saphenous vein to unsightly spider veins.”

“We are particularly pleased to be partnering with Jim Phillips and the entire Luminetx team,” added Mr. Wylie. “Jim has been described by Red Herring magazine as a ’serial entrepreneur’, co-founder and past CEO of both the wireless messaging company, Skytel and Internet imaging company, iPIX. Jim’s extensive experience coupled with Luminetx’s innovative technical team, provide a proven business partner for Diomed.”

Diomed’s target market for the VeinViewer(TM) encompasses physician specialties practicing radio frequency and endovenous laser ablation of the greater saphenous vein and its tributaries, including interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, general surgeons, dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons among others. Diomed estimates that its initial VeinViewer(TM) target market of nearly 2,000 installed laser and RF systems represents less than 15% of the addressable market. The Company also estimates that there are between 2 and 3 million sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy procedures performed annually in the United States.

“Diomed’s leadership position in the treatment of varicose veins and Luminetx’s unique imaging technology creates a powerful team to address the treatment of superficial venous disease,” stated Mr. Jim Phillips, Chairman & CEO of Luminetx. “We looked at several companies working in the area of peripheral venous disease, and chose Diomed as our distribution partner because we believe they have the winning technology.”

Diomed plans to display the VeinViewer(TM) at three upcoming medical meetings this fall, including the American College of Surgeons Annual Clinical Congress in San Francisco (October 16-20), the 19th Annual Congress of the American College of Phlebology meeting in San Francisco (November 10-13), and the VEITH Symposium in New York City (November 17-20). The VeinViewer(TM) is expected to be available for general distribution in the first quarter of 2006.

Additional information about the VeinViewer(TM) product can be found at www.DiomedInc.com and www.Luminetx.com.

About Diomed

Diomed develops and commercializes minimally invasive medical procedures that use its proprietary laser technologies and disposable products. Diomed focuses on EVLT(R) laser treatment for varicose veins, photodynamic therapy (PDT) for use in cancer treatments, and dental and general surgical applications. The EVLT(R) procedure and the Company’s related products were cleared by the United States FDA in January of 2002. Along with lasers and single-use procedure kits for EVLT(R), the Company provides its customers with state of the art physician training and practice development support. Additional information is available on the Company’s website, www.evlt.com. EVLT(R) is a registered trademark of Diomed, Inc., Andover, MA.

Safe Harbor statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this news release looking forward in time involve risks and uncertainties, including the risks associated with trends in the products markets, reliance on third party distributors in various countries outside the United States, reoccurring orders under OEM contracts, market acceptance risks, technical development risks and other risk factors. These statements relate to our future plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes” and similar expressions. These statements are based on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these statements. Our Annual Report on Form SEC 10-KSB (the “Annual Report”) contains a discussion of certain of the risks and uncertainties that affect our business. We refer you to the “Risk Factors” on pages 22 through 37 of the Annual Report for a discussion of certain risks, including those relating to our business as a medical device company without a significant operating record and with operating losses, our risks relating to our commercialization of our current and future products and applications and risks relating to our common stock and its market value. Diomed disclaims any obligation or duty to update or correct any of its forward-looking statements.

The days of lengthy incisions, stitches and scars to treat varicose veins are gone at The Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Now, a laser fiber and skilled vascular surgeon Jason Johanning, M.D. can fix the problem with little discomfort, tiny incisions and believe it or not — no stitches.

“It’s amazing…I feel great!” said Rich Kubat, 67, a pharmacist who says standing on his feet for 40 years took a toll on his legs. “The veins were popping out. People were commenting and I had a constant aching in my legs to the point that I couldn’t wait to get home and get my feet up,” Kubat recalled.

Those complaints are common among people with varicose veins, which are often caused by a faulty valve in the veins that run just under the skin.

“When those veins become enlarged and dilate abnormally — it creates the varicose veins,” explained Dr. Johanning. “The ultimate problem, however, is a bad valve somewhere within the vein system.”

Dr. Johanning finds and treats the problem using ultrasound, a laser fiber and incisions about the size of small freckle. “Essentially what we do is put a laser fiber into the large superficial vein to scar it down. Then we remove enlarged adjacent veins through incisions so small the skin heals on its own,” said Dr. Johanning.

“The recovery time was really very short,” said Kubat. “I took a pain pill the first night and after that it was just an aspirin or Motrin. So the pain was almost non-existent.”

Julie Karloff, 42, a nurse of 20 years, came to Dr. Johanning because her legs were tired, throbbing and aching. For Julie the issue was more medical than cosmetic. “After my third child, I got back into a more active lifestyle. I noticed that when I was exercising or working my legs were becoming more and more tired and more uncomfortable.”

Dr. Johanning says women get varicose veins more often than men because of their physiology. Julie had the surgery done last year and says she would “absolutely do it again.”

Cyberquest Group Inc.
(Pink Sheets: CYQS) newly acquired subsidiary, Vascular Relief Centers Corp.,
(dba Vein Associates(TM)) of Orlando, Florida, announced today the grand
opening of its Boca Raton, Florida Vein Treatment Medical Center by David
Stone, M.D. “I am pleased to be part of such an outstanding organization,”
says Dr. Stone. “This new system we’ve designed benefits the physicians and
the patients who seek vascular care from the Vein Associates.”
Dr. Stone has performed more than 4,200 endovenous catheter based
procedures and accessed thousands more veins under ultrasound guidance in his
career as a Board Certified Registered Vascular Technician. Dr. Stone’s
ultrasound skills will be requested to train incoming Vein Associate(TM)
Physicians. Dr. Stone will introduce new physicians to the technical and
professional components of ultrasound and the subsequent endovenous laser
ablation. “Ultrasound is used to confirm venous insufficiency in a patient and
it is only after venous insufficiency has been confirmed, that a Vein
Associate physician will recommend the appropriate treatment plan for our
patients,” says Dr. Stone.
A member of the American Board of Family Medicine, the American College of
Phlebology and the American Board of Sclerotherapy, Dr. Stone also belongs to
the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and has served as an Air Force
Physician. Dr. Stone was elected by South Carolina School of Medicine as
“Teacher of the Year” and was the South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians
“Outstanding Resident of the Year” during his reign as Chief Resident. After
establishing a highly successful vein practice in South Carolina, which Vein
Associates acquired on June 30, 2005, Dr. Stone agreed to train a replacement
and move to the South Florida market to head up the new Boca Raton flagship
office. He brings to South Florida his expertise and strong teaching
background to educate patients the details regarding venous disease.
“Dr. Stone’s knowledge and skill set will help us to maintain our
commitment to ethical and efficacious treatment plans for all our patients,”
says John Kingsley, MD and Vein Associates(TM) newly appointed chairman of the
board. “His experience in the treatment of vascular disease is not only a
benefit to the organization and the physicians he trains, but to the patients
that come into the Boca Clinic.”
“With vascular troubles being such a prevalent disease, it’s important for
people to get the treatment they need,” says Dr. Stone. “And with the opening
of our Boca Raton office we now have the ability to help people in the South
Florida area, assuring them the best possible treatment for varicose veins and
all vein disorders.”

About Vascular Relief Centers Corp.
Vascular Relief Centers Corp. (dba Vein Associates(TM)) operates advanced
and well-equipped medical facilities devoted exclusively to the treatment of
vein disease. The Company has established and is rapidly expanding highly
specialized, professional medical treatment centers comprised of new and
effective techniques available in vein treatment. For more information, please
visit our website: http://www.vrccorp.com

Safe Harbor Statement: Forward-looking statements in this release with
respect to Cyberquest and Vascular Relief Centers Corp business, financial
condition and results of operations, as well as matters of timing and the
prospective terms of the transaction described are subject to risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to,
certain delays beyond Cyberquest’s or Vascular Relief Centers control with
respect to market acceptance of their technology and/or products, whether
financing will be available, the effect of the application of acquisition
accounting policies as well as certain other risk factors which are and may be
detailed from time to time in Cyberquest’s filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

Portland, OR — (ArriveNet - Aug 09, 2005) — In today’s age of beauty and fashion, men and women are seeking ways to eliminate the ugly varicose veins they tend to get with age, weight and heredity. While vein removal might seem like an optional, cosmetic surgery, many people in their twenties and older frequently suffer from swollen and painful legs as a result of varicose veins. In advanced cases, patients can also experience leg ulceration, skin breakdown, superficial phlebitis and, in rare instances, bleeding.

“There are a multitude of causes that contribute to a patient’s inclination to get varicose veins,” said to Dr. Skip Freedman, medical director at AllMed Healthcare Management, a leading Independent Review Organization (IRO). “Typically, physicians prescribe basic solutions, such as compression stockings that squeeze the leg and may alleviate many of these symptoms. But, these solutions don’t work for all patients.”
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According to Freedman, the stockings don’t make the twisted-looking and bulging veins go away, and, oftentimes, patients find them difficult to put on, hot to wear or not suitable for their lifestyle. If, after several weeks, patients are not getting varicose vein symptom relief from compression stockings, they are probably going to consider surgery. Why? With varicose veins, the damaged veins cannot pump blood back to the heart, causing the patient’s symptoms. Surgery either removes the varicose vein and its tributaries, or cauterizes the vein to prevent blood flowing through it. Yet, except in well-documented cases, most healthcare plans consider varicose vein surgery cosmetic.

In order for varicose vein surgery to be covered:
- A patient’s physician needs to conduct a physical exam, as well as document the patient’s history
- The patient must follow the conservative treatment plan and wear the compression stockings for several weeks
- The physician must track all of the patient’s general health, medical history, symptoms and tried treatments to help prove the need for surgery.

Dr. Freedman added that if the patient rejects the conservative vein treatment or if further proof is needed, a physician could conduct an ultrasound to measure the speed of blood flow through the veins and observe the patient’s vein structure and determine the reflux (backflow) of blood. This test can also determine if there are other conditions with the leg and provide the insurance carrier the medical evidence need to cover the varicose vein surgery. Another advantage of this approach, said Freedman, is that it eliminates those patients with spider veins looking for payers to cover a procedure that’s purely non-medical and cosmetic.

More information about the medical necessity review services offered by Independent Review Organizations (IROs) can be found on AllMed’s web site at http://www.allmedmd.com.

Luminetx Corporation, a leading developer and marketer of bioscience technologies, including its patented infrared vein imaging system, VeinViewer(tm), announced today a 3-year distribution agreement with Diomed Holdings, Inc. (AMEX:DIO), an industry leader in the area of minimally invasive medical technologies, including its patented EVLT(r) for varicose veins.

The agreement, which provides exclusive distribution rights to the schlerotherapy, phlebectomy and varicose vein treatment markets in the United States and United Kingdom and includes both a $1 million investment in Luminetx and a grant of 600,000 Diomed warrants, is expected to generate a minimum of $16 million in Luminetx revenues over the term of the agreement.

“We looked at several companies working in the schlerotherapy and phlebectomy arenas, and chose Diomed as our distribution partner because we believe they have the winning technology,” said Jim Phillips, CEO of Luminetx. “We were also very impressed with the caliber of the management team at Diomed.”

Hailed by Time magazine as “one of the most amazing medical inventions of the year,” VeinViewer is a breakthrough device that will revolutionize medical procedures and improve the quality of global health care. The visionary product is a venous imaging system that uses infrared light and other patented technologies to project a real-time image of subcutaneous veins directly onto the surface of a patient’s skin.

“We believe that the Luminetx VeinViewer is an important adjunct to our core EVLT business and will enhance our competitive advantage in the treatment of venous disease,” said James A. Wylie, president and CEO of Diomed Holdings, Inc. “Additionally, as vein treatment continues its move from the hospital to outpatients facilities and physician offices, we expect to leverage our existing sales and marketing organization by offering physicians an array of medical tools for the treatment of superficial venous disorders, from reflux of the GSV to unsightly spider veins.”

VeinViewer, which was cleared by the FDA in 2004, is undergoing key clinical evaluations in physician offices in both the U.S. and South America. Steven E. Zimmet, MD, FACPh, is the President of the American College of Phlebology. “The first time I saw the VeinViewer in action I was astounded by what I saw,” he says. “It is clear to me that the VeinViewer will be a very useful tool in my everyday phlebology practice.”

Roberto Kasuo Miyake, MD, PhD, is a noted international researcher and expert schlerotherapist and vascular surgeon at the Clinica Miyake in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He is a frequent presenter at international medical conferences and was inducted as a Fellow in the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery this year. “VeinViewer has been a key component of our treatment protocols, and has radically improved our patient outcomes,” Miyake said. “With VeinViewer, the marks are exact, which eliminates the need for ‘fishing,’ reduces additional trauma to the area and actually allows patients to heal faster.”

Steve Elias, MD, director of the Center for Vein Disease at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center adds, “VeinViewer not only allows physicians better visibility of veins targeted for treatment, but also provides verification of full and complete treatment. VeinViewer fulfills a basic surgical principle — if I can see it, I can do it.” Elias is also an assistant professor of surgery at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons.

Phillips notes that Luminetx is attracting the interest of key thought leaders in phlebology, schlerotherapy, dermatology, phlebotomy, pediatric venapuncture (i.e., blood collection, IV-PICC line insertions), interventional radiology, plastic surgery and a number of segments where venous access is critical to patient comfort and practitioner success.

“We’re seeing an enormous variety of applications and opportunities for VeinViewer technology among large physician practices,” Phillips says. “We believe that this pivotal partnership will be the industry genesis of a bright future for VeinViewer, as well as for the patients and physicians who will benefit from this innovative imaging technology. We are in discussions with numerous health care manufacturers, distributors and providers worldwide for other applications of VeinViewer breakthrough technology.”

Diomed plans to display the VeinViewer at several upcoming medical meetings this fall, including the American College of Surgeons Annual Clinical Congress in San Francisco (Oct. 16-20), the 19th Annual Congress of the American College of Phlebology meeting also in San Francisco (Nov. 10-13) and the VEITH Symposium in New York City (Nov. 17-20).

The VeinViewer is expected to be available for general distribution in the first quarter of 2006. Additional information about VeinViewer can be found at www.Luminetx.com and www.DiomedInc.com

Remember these important questions when deciding whether to see your doctor:

* Has the varicose vein become swollen, red, or very tender or warm to the touch?

o If yes, see your doctor.
o If no, are there sores or a rash on the leg or near the ankle with the varicose vein, or are there circulation problems in your feet?

o If yes, see your doctor.
o If no, continue to follow the self-care tips above.

There are several easy things you can do to help prevent varicose and spider veins and to relieve discomfort from the ones you have:

* Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen to limit spider veins on the face.

* Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength, circulation, and vein strength. Focus on exercises that work your legs, such as walking or running.

* Control your weight to avoid placing too much pressure on your legs.

* Do not cross your legs when sitting. However, try to elevate your legs when resting.

* Do not stand for long periods of time. If you have to stand for long periods of time, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. If you have to sit for long periods of time, stand up and move around or take a short walk approximately every 30 minutes.

* Wear elastic support stockings, but avoid clothing that is too tight or that will constrict your waist, groin, or legs.

* Make sure to include high-fiber foods in your diet since constipation can contribute to varicose veins. High fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, like bran. Control your salt-intake. Salt, or sodium, can cause you to retain water or swell.

Medical treatment usually is not required for varicose or spider veins. However, varicose veins can become quite uncomfortable as well as look unattractive. Varicose veins usually enlarge and worsen over time. They can cause the legs and feet to swell. Although severe leg pain is not common, leg muscles may feel fatigued or heavy, or throb and cramp at night. The skin on the legs and around the ankles also can itch or burn.

In some cases, varicose veins and spider veins can cause more serious problems, and medical treatment will provide benefits. If the veins become severe, they can cause a condition called venous insufficiency, a severe clogging of the blood in the veins that prevents it from returning to the heart. This condition can cause problems like a deep-vein thrombosis (blood clot), or a severe bleeding infection. These usually are caused by injury to the varicose vein. A blood clot can be very dangerous because of the possibility of it traveling from the leg veins to the lungs, where it may block the heart and lungs from functioning. Lastly, because the skin tissue around the varicose vein may not receive enough nourishment, sores or skin ulcers may develop.

The veins in the legs have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure — pressure that can overcome the strength of these one-way valves. The force of gravity, the pressure from body weight, and the task of carrying the blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make the legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins.