DGAP-News: BK Medical Introduces Revolutionary Advanced Robotic Ultrasound Technology (ART) for Prostate Imaging at European Association of Urology Congress

Analogic Corporation 

24.03.2011 15:09
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ART Includes Industry's First Ultrasound Transducer for Robotic-Assisted Surgery

PEABODY, Mass., 2011-03-24 15:09 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --BK Medical, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Analogic Corporation (Nasdaq:ALOG), 
introduced Advanced Robotic Ultrasound Technology? (ART?), the industry's first
complete ultrasound imaging solution for robotic surgery. This revolutionary
technology, which includes the Flex Focus? 700 Ultrasound System, specialized
transducers, and tools designed specifically for robotic-assisted surgery, was
introduced at the 20th Annual European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in
Vienna, March 18-22. ART is a premium performance ultrasound solution that may
benefit surgeons performing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)
procedures, and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) procedures. 

'BK Medical has been working closely with a leading robotic-assisted surgery
company, along with surgeons, to develop the ART ultrasound solution to address
robotic-assisted surgery needs of today and tomorrow,' said Michael Brock,
president of BK Medical. 'ART technology, the result of this successful
collaboration, provides clinicians with a valuable tool to assess and monitor
robotic-assisted surgery procedures in real time.' 

The new ART solution includes the premium performance Flex Focus 700, the
3DART? high-resolution endocavity transducer (8838), the RST? Robotic
Stationary Transducer Arm* for securing the endocavity transducer during
procedures, and the first dedicated robotic transducer, ProART?*. The new 3DART
endocavity transducer is small in diameter for minimal patient discomfort with
no moving parts touching the patient. The resulting 3D data cube can be
manipulated to assess anatomy and geometry of the prostate prior to surgery for
planning purposes. During surgery, the 3DART transducer may also help identify
useful landmarks and assessment of the posterior border of the prostate in real
time during dissection. 

The company's new ProART specialized robotic transducer is designed to address
the challenges of ultrasound imaging during robotic-assisted surgery. The
transducer is a curved linear array that images from 12-5 MHz with 2D, color
and spectral Doppler, and it can easily fit into a standard trocar. The
grasping fin is optimally positioned directly over the array for superb
control, maneuverability and optimal acoustic contact. The ProART transducer
has the potential to provide ultrasound guidance and verification during RAPN
procedures. Early indications for ultrasound imaging also include identifying
the pudendal arteries and nerves during RARP. 

The foundation of the ART solution, the Flex Focus 700, offers premium
performance in a small, nimble, sturdy frame that is completely mobile. The
system comes with a sensitive touch screen and a remote control that gives the
surgeon control of the ultrasound system from the surgical console. The system
is available with the optional BK Power Pack, a full back-up power solution
that provides plug-free imaging for up to four hours, allowing the system to
fit into a tight space or suite without requiring an electrical source. 

About BK Medical

BK Medical is a wholly owned subsidiary of Analogic Corporation (Nasdaq:ALOG),
specializing in the development and production of diagnostic ultrasound
equipment. BK Medical is recognized as a global leader in the development of
ultrasound systems designed for anesthesia, interventional radiology, surgery
and the investigation of urological disorders. The products developed and
marketed by BK Medical also include systems for other applications such as
pelvic floor. BK Medical has its European headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark,
and U.S. headquarters in Peabody, Massachusetts. BK Medical is represented in
60 countries with subsidiary sales companies in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the
Nordic countries, and the UK. An extensive network of distributors connects BK
Medical with Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the rest of the world.
For more information visit www.bkmed.com. 

About Analogic

Analogic (Nasdaq:ALOG), headquartered in Peabody, Mass., is a high-technology
company that designs and manufactures advanced medical imaging, security
systems and subsystems that are sold to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
and end users in the healthcare and homeland security markets. We are
recognized worldwide for advancing state-of-the-art technology in the areas of
computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital
mammography, ultrasound and automatic explosives detection for airport
security. Our OEM customers incorporate our technology into systems that they
in turn sell for various medical and security applications. We also sell our
ultrasound products directly to clinical end-user markets through our direct
worldwide sales force under the brand name BK Medical. For more information,
visit www.analogic.com. 

Flex Focus, IQPAC. Advanced Robotics Ultrasound Technology, ART, 3DART and
ProART are trademarks of BK Medical, a wholly owned subsidiary of Analogic
Corporation. 

*For future release.


         CONTACT: Media Contact:
         Lars Shaw
         BK Medical
         Vice President of Global Marketing
         (408) 605-3901
         lshaw@analogic.com
         
         Investor Relations Contact:
         Mark Namaroff
         Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Marketing
         (978) 326-4058
         investorrelations@analogic.com
News Source: NASDAQ OMX



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Language:     English
Company:      Analogic Corporation
              
               
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