LINKOPING, Sweden, Aug. 24, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Sectra, a major provider of enterprise and imaging center PACS, and R2 Technology, Inc., the leader in computer-aided detection (CAD), today announced an extended cooperation agreement. R2 will distribute the Sectra universal mammography workstation and other PACS components.
Sectra and R2 began cooperation in 2004 with the integration of R2's CAD technology with Sectra's digital mammography system. Through the extended cooperation, R2 will now sell and support the Sectra mammography PACS components as part of its own product line to end users in the US and Canada, further strengthening the Sectra presence in this important region. Furthermore R2's ImageChecker(R) D digital mammography CAD results can now also be displayed on Sectra's mammography workstation.
"The Sectra mammography workstation and PACS is a well-accepted, state-of-the-art, multi-modality, vendor-neutral solution," says John Goble, president of Sectra North America. "This is particularly important, given that a growing number of centers often have a mix of digital mammography systems from multiple vendors, as well as the need to review prior digitized film mammograms or breast images acquired by ultrasound and MRI. The Sectra mammography workstation excels in such an environment."
"Sectra is a world leader in breast imaging and PACS, and R2 is the leader in computer aided detection," said Terry Kinninger, R2's executive vice president of business development and chief financial officer. ``Our products combine to provide the customer with a vendor-neutral and comprehensive digital solution for breast image management and CAD mark display."
The combination of Sectra's and R2's products is facilitating comparison of prior film-based images with the current digital mammography images which is a large benefit for mammography centers.
CAD is used by increasing numbers of radiologists as "a second pair of eyes" when reading a mammogram. Analogous to a spellchecker system on a personal computer, this technology uses computer algorithms to identify areas on the mammogram containing characteristics that may warrant a second review by the radiologist.
Five independent prospective clinical studies(a) from academic and community practices showed that the use of R2's CAD resulted in 6.6 percent to 19.5 percent more cancers detected. To date, more than 1600 ImageChecker CAD systems have been shipped worldwide and this year approximately nine million women will have their mammograms interpreted with the aid of R2's leading technology.
About R2 Technology, Inc.
R2 Technology, Inc., headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, is a recognized leader in the development and commercialization of computer-aided detection (CAD), an innovative technology that assists physicians in the earlier detection of breast cancer, actionable lung nodules and other lung abnormalities. As a medical imaging company dedicated to diagnostic decision support, increasing physician productivity and preventing medical errors, R2 Technology is developing CAD systems for a variety of imaging modalities and disease states. For more information, visit www.r2tech.com or call 866-243-2533.
ImageChecker is a registered trademark of R2 Technology, Inc.
(a) Studies available upon request.
About Sectra's medical operations
Sectra, the recipient of the 2004 Frost & Sullivan Medical Imaging Company of the Year Award, is one of today's major diagnostic imaging providers. More than 700 hospitals worldwide use Sectra's system performing over 30 million radiology examinations per year. Sectra's core business is delivering top-of-the-line, high-availability, robust enterprise diagnostic imaging for 24/7 operation. In Scandinavia, Sectra is the market leader with more than 50% of all film-free installations. The company has a large number of systems installed in most major countries in Europe, the Far East and North America.
About Sectra
Sectra, founded in 1978, has its roots at the Linkoping Institute of Technology in Sweden. Since the mid-1980s, Sectra has successfully conducted development and sales of cutting edge products in expansive niche segments. Today, Sectra operations include medical systems and secure communication systems.
Sectra has offices in eight countries and operates through partners all over the world. Sales for the fiscal year 2004/2005 totaled SEK 456 million. Since March 1999, Sectra's shares have been quoted on the O-list of the Stockholm Stock Exchange. For more information about Sectra, visit www.sectra.com.
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