SAN DIEGO, May 14, 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 partnering with the Palex Group, which has offices in Spain and Portugal. This agreement will enable Palex to market and sell Viking's 3Di Vision System technology exclusively throughout both countries. With over 50 years in business, Palex continues to be a leader in providing healthcare professionals with the most advanced technology available, making the company an ideal partner for Viking Systems and the 3Di product line.
"At Palex, our goal is to maintain the most technologically robust product offering available and we have built our reputation on our ability to partner with companies that will positively impact Spain's surgeons," said Jose Terol, Palex General Manager. "It's our pursuit for innovation that led us to Viking's 3Di Vision System. This 3D technology will change the future of minimally invasive surgery by offering surgeons and hospitals the opportunity to improve patient care in a very economic manner."
Depth perception, the missing component in these keyhole procedures, is offered through Viking's proprietary 3Di Vision System, with the added ergonomic and integrative information benefits not available with other visualization solutions. Viking's 3Di Vision System is the only minimally invasive visualization system available that offers 3D vision 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, "Palex is the ideal partner for Viking as they are well known for their widespread coverage and quality reputation throughout Spain and Portugal. Numerous surgeons from these countries have contacted us expressing strong interest in our System, and now we have the partner to follow through and deliver on their requests."
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 (3D) vision system used by surgeons for complex minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, with an initial focus on applications in urology, gynecology, bariatric 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.
About Palex Group
Since 1955 the Palex Group has driven to continually seek new solutions and technologies and make them available to hospitals. The primary mission of the Palex Group is to bring innovations to our hospitals with complete technical and marketing support.
PALEX MEDICAL SA is structured in nine divisions, whose product lines cover the fields of anaesthesiology, resuscitation, critical care, surgery, nephrology, urology, gynaecology, pneumology, orthopaedic surgery and traumatology, "in vitro" diagnosis, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, electrophysiology, haemodynamics, interventional radiology, haematology, furniture systems and logistics equipment, and robotics.
LUSO PALEX LDA was created in 1996 and the PALEX GROUP started operations in Portugal with the same corporate and service philosophy which was being developed in Spain.
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.