BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 6, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Imaging3(tm), Inc. (OTCBB:IMGG), developer of a breakthrough medical imaging device that produces 3D medical diagnostic images of virtually any part of the human body in real-time, provides insight into the growing use of interventional radiology and into the revolutionary capabilities The Dominion(tm) could add to this emergent sector of surgical procedures.
Interventional radiology (IR) is a relatively new medical field and is growing at a rapid rate. In fact, IR procedures have recently become noteworthy competition to traditional cardiology and vascular surgeries. According to the Society of Interventional Radiology, "Interventional radiologists are board certified physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments performed using imaging for guidance.(1)" Interventional radiology, a market that is expected to exceed $1 billion by 2007(2), encompasses a variety of common diagnostic procedures and treatments, including angiography, angioplasty, gastrostomy (feeding tubes), uterine fibroid embolization, stroke, vascular disease, needle biopsy, and varicose veins - among others.
Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures are at the forefront of interventional radiology. MIS utilizes image guided surgery, which is done using small instruments, catheters and needles, along with a variety of advanced imaging equipment that provide real-time surgical navigation to guide doctors through the body to the specific area of concern. IR has become an often-preferred method for cardiac and angio procedures, as they provide less risk and pain than open surgeries, and in turn, shorter recovery times for the patient. This is especially important today as baby-boomers are aging and requiring more medical attention.
Interventional radiologists use various imaging methods, namely CT, MRI, ultrasound, and x-ray fluoroscopy. Although these methods have allowed for successful MIS procedures, many are costly, lack image quality, cause safety risks due to high-levels of radiation, and are inconvenient and time-consuming for the radiologist. Imaging3 hopes to improve interventional radiology through the company's breakthrough 3D, real-time medical diagnostic technology, the Dominion.
The Dominion has the potential to displace existing imaging equipment in interventional radiology. Using a fluoroscopic-based O-shaped device with a constantly revolving flat-panel detector and x-ray tube, The Dominion produces instantaneous three-dimensional images. The real-time 3D imaging will likely limit, or even completely eliminate, the radiologist's need to reorient the patient or equipment, as is required in conventional methods. This will, in turn, reduce the time and increase the accuracy of minimally invasive surgery. The x-ray fluoroscopy and CT used in IR procedures today can sometimes do more harm than good, as the radiation levels can be damaging to the patient and the radiologist. Imaging3 believes the Dominion will lower radiation exposure to the patient by more than 50% than that of existing imaging modalities. Imaging is often costly, especially CT and MRI. The Dominion is expected to be priced between $250,000 and $500,000 and offers multiple functionalities. The lower price, in comparison to existing medical imaging equipment, will allow rural hospitals, small ambulatory surgical centers, and international markets to take advantage of the lower risk, reduced pain, and shorter recovery times of MIS procedures. Overall, the Dominion is expected to usher in radical changes and benefits to interventional radiologists.
Dean Janes, CEO of Imaging3, believes The Dominion will significantly enhance interventional radiology. Janes stated, "Any technological advance in interventional radiology and image guidance that improves and/or broadens the use of MIS is good for patients, makes surgeons more productive and improves the economics of the institutions that provide patient care."
About Imaging3
Imaging3, Inc., founded in 1993, is a leading provider of advanced technology medical imaging devices. The Company has developed a breakthrough medical imaging device that produces 3D medical diagnostic images of virtually any part of the human body in real-time. Because these 3D images are instantly constructed in real-time, they can be used for any current or new medical procedures in which multiple frames of reference are required to perform medical procedures on or in the human body. Visit the company's website at www.imaging3.com for more information.
(2) http://www.medtechinsight.com
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