Market Research Focus Group Results

Before developing the current product, Lumoptik conducted 3 physician focus groups with 21 anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. The key points they stated to us regarding an epidural needle guidance product were:

• It must be effective in assisting the physician with performing the epidural procedure, especially for training new clinicians

• Must not interfere with the Loss of Resistance technique. This is the standard of practice which they depend on. Do not try to replace the Loss of Resistance technique.

• It must work with the existing needles and syringes. Do not try to replace the existing needles and syringes which are an integral part of the Loss of Resistance technique.

• It must be simple to use. Similar to fluoroscopy with a foot pedal for simple operation and screen viewing. The physician’s attention must remain focused on the needle in the patient’s back, not operating complex equipment.

• It must be cost effective—the anesthesiologists do not feel the need for high cost capital equipment for epidural procedures.