SAN DIEGO, June 7, 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, announced that for the first time worldwide, the Company's 3Di Vision System had been used to perform videothoracoscopic surgery. The three procedures, performed with the 3D visualization technology at the Regional Oncologic Hospital (C.R.O.B) in Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy by Dr. Cosimo Lequaglie, were a parietal pleurectomy, a sublobar resection, and a chemical pleurodesis. Each surgery was finished successfully and met with positive reactions from the surgeon and the hospital staff.
Dr. Lequaglie, Chief of Oncologic and Thoracic Surgery at the hospital explained, "Viking's 3Di Vision System is significant for our practice because it provides a more substantial and effective image than those we traditional obtain via 2D vision systems. The impact 3D has on minimally invasive surgery for benign and malignant diseases is significant because the higher resolution, stereoscopic depth we are now afforded allows the same type of confidence we are usually only allowed during open procedures."
Viking's 3Di Vision System, as used by Dr. Lequaglie and his staff, also includes an information management solution known as Infomatix, which provides immediate, picture-in-picture access for a surgeon to additional surgical information through voice activation. This critical information can be provided simultaneously with the surgical video via picture-in-picture on the surgeon's Personal Head Display.
Dr. Lequaglie used this feature to simultaneously manage in real time the operating functions that can at times become cumbersome for the surgeon when used individually. He adds, "The ability of the system to provide both a high-definition 3D image and pre-existing medical data into one personal head display finally offers the kind of support a surgeon needs to allow greater precision and speed without being bound to the positioning of the monitors in the room. The result is greater concentration and best posture providing less fatigue during each procedure. For thoracic surgery, these improved results are invaluable."
Stephen M. Heniges, Viking's Senior Vice-President of Global Marketing & Clinical Development said, "Viking is excited with the results Dr. Lequaglie and his team have achieved through the benefits of our 3D visualization technology. This provides motivation to all minimally invasive thoracic surgeons worldwide. We are confident that as 3D visualization becomes the standard of care for an array of minimally invasive specialties, we will see the same great results and positive feedback we received from the Regional Oncological Hospital (C.R.O.B) in Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy."
About Viking Systems, Inc.
Viking Systems is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of FDA-cleared, CE-marked, high-performance laparoscopic vision systems. The Company's primary branded product is the 3Di Vision System, an advanced three-dimensional (3D) vision system used by surgeons for complex minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, with an initial focus on applications in urology, gynecology, bariatrics and general surgery. Viking also manufactures advanced two-dimensional (2D) 2Di Digital Vision Systems for targeted configurations and channels, as well as 2D cameras and components, sold through strategic partners and OEM programs. For more information see: http://www.vikingsystems.com. Viking Systems, Inc. is a publicly traded company.
About (C.R.O.B)
For more information about the Regional Oncologic Hospital (C.R.O.B) in Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy you may access the website: http://www.chirurgiatoracica-crob.it/
Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Viking's goals, its prospects for growth and its marketing efforts. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include: risks related to the effectiveness of its marketing program, its ability to continue to obtain funding, its ability to maintain sales momentum, and costs associated with internal development, partnership and in-licensing activities. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in Viking's most recently filed SEC documents, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, under the headings "Risk Factors." All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Viking undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.