WESTBOROUGH, Mass., May 12, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Viking Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:VKNG), a leading worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of 3D and 2D visualization solutions for complex minimally invasive surgery, today reported that its 3DHD Vision System was used in the first human surgery utilizing Terumo's Kymerax™ Precision Drive Articulating Surgical System. On May 10, 2011, two successful procedures were performed by Professor Gunter Janetschek, Medical University Salzburg, Department of Urology. The first case was a nephrectomy and the second case was a partial nephrectomy. Both surgeries were successful and the patients are doing well.
Commenting on the surgeries, Professor Janetschek stated, "3DHD is the future of visualization for minimally invasive surgery. It is really the patient who will ultimately benefit from this superior visualization, as it will enable more surgeons to perform more complex minimally invasive procedures which will reduce trauma and improve clinical outcomes."
The combination of the Viking and Terumo technologies, which was initially presented in Viking's booth at the recent European Association of Urology Congress in Vienna, demonstrated the enabling value 3D vision brings to surgeons using articulating instrumentation and drew a tremendous amount of attention from surgeons interested in alternatives to more expensive robotic solutions.
Viking also reported Terumo has requested that Viking Systems provide 3DHD Vision Systems for use in Terumo's booths next month at the Challenges in Laparoscopy Meeting being held in Leipzig, Germany on June 9-11, 2011, and at the British Association of Urological Surgeons being held in Liverpool, England on June 20-23, 2011, in order to demonstrate the technology combination to delegates attending both of these important congresses.
Jed Kennedy, Viking Systems' President and CEO said, "We are very pleased with the positive outcomes on these first human cases using both systems. The combination of Viking 3DHD vision and the Kymerax articulating instrumentation clearly demonstrates that cost-effective technology options for performing complex minimally invasive surgery are now being made available to the to market."
About Viking Systems, Inc.
Viking Systems, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of 3D and 2D visualization solutions for complex minimally invasive surgery. It actively markets and sells the only stand alone, cost-effective 3D system for use in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Viking 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. Viking, through its OEM products business, also designs and manufactures surgical vision systems and components for several leading medical instrument companies worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at .
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CONTACT: Viking Systems, Inc. Robert Mathews, EVP & CFO 508-366-3668 Ext. 8392 Porter, LeVay & Rose, Inc. Michael Porter, President - Investor Relations 212-564-4700