SAN DIEGO, April 26, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Viking Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:VKSY), a designer, manufacturer and marketer of high-performance laparoscopic vision systems for use in minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures, has expanded its international distribution network by creating a strategic partnership with China's Medi-Trend Medical Apparatus Company. This agreement will enable Medi-Trend to market and sell Viking's 3Di Vision System technology exclusively throughout China. Medi-Trend, established in Shanghai in 1992, continues to be the market leader, both in scope and innovation, in acquiring and distributing medical and laparoscopic products to Chinese health centers.
"The Chinese minimally invasive surgery market is growing at an unprecedented pace, especially with regards to advancements in technology," said Anita Hu, Managing Director for Medi-Trend. "In this spirit, we believe Viking's 3Di Vision System will help Chinese surgeons overcome the acknowledged drawbacks of traditional visualization methods in surgery. High resolution 3-D surgery stands to be a hallmark of surgical innovation and Medi-Trend is both confident and excited that our partnership with Viking Systems will put Chinese surgeons at the forefront of this important technological development."
Currently, most surgeons in China are using traditional 2-D vision systems to perform MIS. Depth perception, the missing component in these procedures, is offered via Viking's proprietary 3Di Vision System, with the added ergonomic and integrative information features not available with other visualization solutions. Viking's 3Di Vision System is the only minimally invasive visualization system available that offers 3-D vision for MIS procedures combined with on-demand picture-in-picture access to existing clinical information.
Stephen Heniges, Viking's Senior Vice President, Global Marketing and Clinical Development adds, "Medi-Trend is the ideal partner to introduce our technology into the fast growing Chinese market because they have the experience, reputation, and relationships with key opinion leaders to rapidly penetrate this strategic segment. Our combined goal of providing economic products that deliver better patient outcomes through enhanced surgical proficiency is an important undertaking. We are confident that Medi-Trend is up to the task."
About Viking Systems, Inc.
Viking Systems, Inc. is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of FDA-cleared, CE-marked, high-performance surgical vision systems. The Company's primary branded product is the Viking 3Di Digital Vision System, an advanced three-dimensional (3-D) vision system used by surgeons for complex minimally invasive surgery, with an initial focus on applications in urology, gynecology, bariatrics and general surgery. Viking also manufactures advanced two-dimensional (2-D) Viking 2Di Digital Vision Systems for targeted configurations and channels, as well as 2-D cameras and components, sold through strategic partner and OEM programs.
About Medi-Trend Medical Apparatus Company
Medi-Trend Medical Apparatus Company is a Shanghai-based distributor of high quality surgical instruments with a national network of subdistributors. Founded in 1992, it is one of the oldest and most successful locally owned medical equipment companies in China. It is well respected internationally for its commitment to educating medical practitioners in advanced surgical procedures, as well as its integrity in working with doctors and manufacturers.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release includes forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, our ability to execute on our business plan during 2007 and beyond, our strategic planning and business development plans, our future financing needs, impacts on our financial results, and our future growth. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, our ability to market our products, the success of business development efforts, competition in the industry, and our ability to manage growth, as well as the risks and other factors set forth in our periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.