SAN DIEGO, Feb. 1, 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 global distribution network by adding a new partner, Universal Care Corporation ("Unicare") for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic and the eastern Caribbean, including Trinidad, Tobago and Barbados.
"Depth perception is important to our surgeons as they perform more and more complicated laparoscopic procedures," said Mr. Fernando Ledesma, President of Unicare. "The use of minimally invasive techniques is rapidly growing in this area and we believe Viking's 3Di Digital Vision System will become the standard for minimally invasive surgery in the future."
"Due to the rapid growth of minimally invasive surgical techniques for complex surgical procedures, surgeons and hospitals around the world are realizing the importance of the intra-operative benefits of Viking's 3-D technology," stated Donald E. Tucker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking Systems. "We are particularly interested in this geographic region because of the high growth rate of minimally invasive surgery here. Unicare, with their long standing high quality representation, is an ideal partner through which Viking Systems can provide its 3-D vision systems to hospitals to address this growth."
"Our 3-D technology and equipment creates a high performance, pure-laparoscopic skill environment for the surgeon that enables a unique and sizable opportunity for the Company within the rapidly growing minimally invasive surgical space," concluded Tucker. "We continue to expand our sales presence specifically in high growth minimally invasive surgical markets throughout the world. We remain focused on delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions for use in digital operating rooms of all sizes and capabilities."
Viking Systems will continue to pursue strategic partners in key markets globally and expects to further penetrate Latin America, Asia and Europe and other geographic regions in the near future.
About Universal Care Corporation
Universal Care Corporation ("Unicare") is a dynamic company created in September of 1985. The company is engaged in the distribution of hospital/medical supplies and equipment, specializing in operating room products, anesthesia, respiratory therapy, critical care, and nursing.
The goal of Unicare is to improve and expand distribution in select markets with products and services used for diagnosis and treatment, as well as life-saving and life-support techniques which are applied by physicians and surgeons in surgical disciplines.
About Viking Systems, Inc.
Viking Systems, Inc. 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 Digital Vision System, an advanced three-dimensional (3-D) 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 (2-D) 2Di Digital Vision Systems for targeted configurations and channels, as well as 2D cameras and components, sold through strategic partners and OEM programs.