SAN DIEGO, Feb. 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, has expanded its international distribution network by adding a strategic partner in India through the signing of an exclusive agreement with Surgdent Medicare Pvt., Ltd. ("Surdgent"). Surdgent, based in Pune, India, located 120 kilometers east of Mumbai, is a 15-year-old organization specializing in the sales and marketing of a complete range of minimally invasive surgical products and technologies throughout India.
Viking and Surgdent will launch their new partnership by jointly participating in the Annual Congress of Association of Minimal Access Surgeons (AMASICON) held from February 8-11 in Hyderabad, India.
"India currently has over 5,000 general surgeons practicing laparoscopy and the market is growing over 20% annually," said Shirish Joshi, Director at Surgdent. "Our exclusive agreement to market Viking Systems' 3Di Digital Vision System allows our hospitals and surgeons to economically obtain the latest 3-D technology today. By naturally and ergonomically restoring depth perception for minimally invasive surgery, our surgeons will be able to learn the latest surgical techniques more rapidly and provide the benefits to patients all over the country."
"India is a strategic market for our technology and Surgdent represents a strong partner to accelerate our growth with their significant experience and quality management," stated Stephen Heniges, Vice President, Corporate Accounts and International Business at Viking Systems. "The additional dimension of depth perception, which is a critical missing component from traditional minimally invasive surgery, translates to better patient outcomes and enhanced surgeon proficiency. Our customers also appreciate the shortened learning curve for mastering new and complex minimally invasive procedures."
"Our 3-D technology and equipment delivers critical information directly to the surgeon and operating room team that is unique in the industry," concluded Donald E. Tucker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking Systems. "We are pleased that Surgdent has joined our global distribution network and we look forward to their success in the rapidly growing minimally invasive surgical market in India."
Viking Systems is now represented in nine major markets outside the U.S. and the Company will continue to pursue strategic partners in key markets globally.
About Surgdent Pvt. Ltd.
Surgdent Medicare Pvt. Ltd. is a 15-year-old organization specializing in marketing a complete range of minimally invasive surgery products. Surgdent has a strong sales and service network covering India with 41 employees spread countrywide and also channel partners. Surgdent has a track record of introducing path-breaking technology at reasonable prices and works closely with many laparoscopy training centers in India.
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 EndoSite 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) EndoSite 2Di Digital Vision Systems for targeted configurations and channels, as well as 2-D cameras and components, sold through strategic partner and OEM programs.
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.