SAN DIEGO, May 29, 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 announced that baby Jake Joye, at just 3-1/2 months old, has become the first patient to undergo a revolutionary surgical procedure at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, California.
"Baby and family are doing just fine," according to Dr. Steven R. Cohen in an update on the condition of baby Jake. In January 2007, Dr. Cohen, Rady's Surgical Director and Chief of Craniofacial Surgery, along with Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery Section, Hal Meltzer, M.D., used the Viking 3Di Vision System to perform the delicate procedure on the infant to correct a condition known as craniosynostosis. The condition occurs at birth when the open areas that separate the bone plates in the skull become fused. Craniosynostosis can result in abnormal skull growth, changing the shape of the skull and leading to vision problems, developmental delays and brain damage.
This new version of the procedure performed with Viking's 3Di Vision System requires just a small incision in the patient's scalp as opposed to the usual ear-to-ear incision made across the top of the head. The 3Di endoscope is then inserted into the incision, delivering a magnified, high-resolution, 3D image that allows the surgeons to visualize the underlying anatomy. The live images are viewed by the surgeons via Viking's Personal Head Display. The display, which resembles the visor worn in virtual reality video games, places the images directly before the surgeon's eyes.
Dr. Meltzer emphasized the importance of the high-resolution image provided by the Viking System in baby Jake's case. "We needed to visualize the area under the skull bones to be certain there was no leakage of brain fluid or any abnormal bleeding from the brain," he said. "We had to see that area absolutely perfectly."
"Compared to standard 2D visualization tools, the Viking System provides a more natural, clearer view similar to one obtained in conventional open procedures," said Stephen M. Heniges, Viking Systems' Senior Vice-President of Global Marketing & Clinical Development. "Since the images are delivered within the surgeon's natural line of sight, an immersive surgical environment is created. The Personal Head Display allows the surgeon to focus directly on the surgical field and helps to reduce the fatigue associated with turning or moving to view a standard monitor."
3D vision also allows spatial relationships to be maintained, so the surgeon's hand-to-eye coordination is not sacrificed. Viking Systems, Inc. believes this can help surgeons perform more confidently and naturally aiding in the reduction of procedure times.
"There is less bleeding so our need for transfusions is markedly decreased," noted Dr. Cohen, pointing out the benefits of the procedure in terms of recovery. "These children go to a regular room, they don't go to an intensive care unit, and they are out of the hospital in a day, in most cases."
For Viking Systems, the case marks both a technical and a human success story. "With growing distribution and use of Viking's 3D vision systems, we at Viking are grateful that our technology is playing an ever-increasing role in cases such as this and is helping healthcare professionals positively affect the lives of patients and families," said Donald E. Tucker, president and chief executive officer of Viking. "We wish baby Jake Joye and his family ongoing health and happiness."
The Viking 3Di Vision System can be used in any laparoscopic MIS procedure to deliver high-quality, live 3D images to the surgical team. Through the 3Di Vision System, the surgical team can also have access to Viking's Infomatix(r) System which provides on-demand access to other clinical images and relevant, real-time patient and procedural information directly into the surgeon's field-of-view.
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 (2D) 2Di Digital Vision Systems for targeted configurations and channels, as well as 2D cameras and components, sold through strategic partners and OEM programs.
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.