SAN DIEGO, May 22, 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, announces that a poster by Dr. Jihad H. Kaouk, M.D., et al. of Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, entitled "Suturing Using Articulated Needle Drivers and 3-D Vision," has been presented at the Annual Urology Association (AUA) meeting in Anaheim, California. The poster demonstrates the advantages of using 3-D vision in laparoscopic suturing procedures in a pelvic trainer.
The researchers found that precision and accuracy were improved across all subject groups using novel articulated needle drivers (AND) and 3-D vision compared to straight conventional needle drivers (CND), which have a limited range of freedom. It was also demonstrated that 3-D vision especially reduced the time to accomplish the tasks in the intermediate group, and the combination of AND and 3-D vision showed benefits in both intermediate and novice groups.
"Intracorporeal laparoscopic free-hand suturing using straight conventional needle drivers (CND) and two-dimensional (2-D) vision, may be technically challenging," said Dr. Kaouk. "Combination of articulated needle drivers (AND) and 3-D vision seems to enhance surgeons precision and accuracy."
To complete the study, fifteen urologists were divided into 3 groups according to their laparoscopic experience, and were asked to perform two specific laparoscopic suturing tasks following 20 minutes of AND practice that measured performance with and without 3-D vision. Total time for each line of suturing, time for knot tying, time to accomplish urethro-vesical anastomosis, precision and accuracy were compared.
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, 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.
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