WESTBOROUGH, Mass., Sept. 14, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Viking Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:VKNG) announced today the appointment of Dr. Gerald Andriole, Professor and Chief, Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, as the Company's Medical Advisor.
With this appointment, Dr. Andriole will provide Viking's product development and clinical teams with expertise and advice to optimize the role of 3D visualization in complex laparoscopic surgical procedures. Dr. Andriole and Viking intend to use the relationship to create awareness about the significance of 3D visualization in minimally invasive surgery, specifically regarding the impact it has on surgical training, procedural efficiency, and patient outcomes.
"As laparoscopy continues to dominate surgical approaches, it is imperative that we maximize proficiency," said Dr. Andriole. "While 2D vision systems have been adequate for some surgical procedures, it is through 3DHD visualization that we can begin to see the true potential of minimally invasive surgery and how it could become the standard of care in the operating room, even for complex procedures."
Dr. Andriole has used Viking's EndoSite 3Di Digital Vision System for the past four years and has been sharing his experience with students and visiting surgeons to explain the clinical value of 3D visualization. Jed Kennedy, President and CEO of Viking Systems stated, "Dr. Andriole has provided invaluable guidance from a surgeon's perspective to Viking engineers and clinical personnel during the development of our 3DHD vision system based on his significant clinical experience with our current 3Di system. Now this appointment will enable Viking to continue its leadership position in 3D visualization as we plan to broaden the awareness of the clinical relevance of 3DHD visualization in minimally invasive surgery." Furthermore, Dr. Andriole and Viking Systems are planning a series of academic and clinical studies aimed at investigating the benefits of laparoscopic surgery training in 3D, the increased level of efficiency and safety gained through the use of 3D, and how 3D visualization alleviates difficulties traditionally encountered in complex procedures.
In October 2009, at the American College of Surgeons' annual Clinical Congress in Chicago, Viking Systems first publicly demonstrated the "Next Generation" 3DHD camera system utilizing a prototype Sony 3DHD flat panel display. During 2010 Viking intends to complete the development of this unique Next Generation system and currently plans to launch the system in the fourth quarter of 2010. "Nearly all laparoscopic procedures are currently performed with a 2D camera," said Jed Kennedy. "We plan to provide the surgeon with high quality 3D vision in a cost effective and flexible format. Performing complex minimally invasive procedures with a 3D vision system has the potential not only to improve the quality of care but also to reduce procedure time and therefore cost of procedures."
About Viking Systems, Inc.
Viking Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:VKNG) is a leading worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of 2D and 3D visualization solutions for complex minimally invasive surgery. The Company partners with medical device companies and healthcare facilities to provide surgeons with proprietary visualization systems enabling minimally invasive surgical procedures, which reduce patient trauma and recovery time. For more information visit the Company's website at: www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/ctr%3Fd=180486%26amp;l=6%26amp;a=www.vikingsystems.com%26amp;u=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.vikingsystems.com" target="_top" rel="nofollow">www.vikingsystems.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are estimates reflecting the best judgment of our management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors as described in our annual report on Form 10-K under the heading "Risk Factors" as updated from time to time by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements concerning forecasts, revenue growth, procedure growth, future financial results, and statements using words such as "estimate", "project", "plan", "intend", "expect", "anticipate", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.