PEABODY, Mass., June 23, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BK Medical, a wholly owned subsidiary of Analogic Corporation (Nasdaq:ALOG), will showcase its new Advanced Robotic Ultrasound Technology™ (ART™), the industry's first complete ultrasound imaging solution for robotic-assisted surgery, at the Sixth Annual World Robotic Urology Symposium (WRUS) in conjunction with the Society of Robotic Surgery's second annual event, June 27-29 in Miami, Florida. The revolutionary technology includes the Flex Focus™ 700 Ultrasound System, specialized transducers, and tools designed specifically for robotic-assisted surgery. This new premium performance ultrasound solution from BK Medical may benefit surgeons performing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedures and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) procedures.
"The 3D endocavity transducer and new ultrasound tools have the potential to aid both experienced and novice surgeons alike to help define anatomy of the bladder neck and apex during radical prostatectomy," said Vipul Patel, M.D., director, Global Robotics Institute at Florida Hospital and director, urologic oncology, and associate professor of urology at the University of Central Florida. "We are beginning to use ultrasound intraoperatively for RAPN procedures with success."
The new ART ultrasound solution includes the premium performance Flex Focus 700, the 3DART™ high-resolution endocavity transducer, the RST™ Robotic Stationary Transducer Arm* for securing the endocavity transducer during procedures, and the first dedicated robotic transducer, ProART™*. The 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 on the Flex Focus 700 to assess anatomy and geometry of the prostate prior to surgery for planning purposes.
"BK Medical worked closely with surgeons worldwide to develop the ART ultrasound solution to address robotic-assisted surgery needs of today and tomorrow," said Lars Shaw, vice president global marketing, 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. We believe that during robotic-assisted surgical procedures, ART will give back control of ultrasound to surgeons."
The company's 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.
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 provides 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.
To see a live demonstration of the industry's first complete ultrasound imaging solution for robotic-assisted surgery, please visit the BK Medical booth #4 at the WRS 2011 in the Americana Salon 4, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, June 27-29, 2011.
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, Advanced Robotics Ultrasound Technology, ART, RST, 3DART and ProART are trademarks of BK Medical, a wholly owned subsidiary of Analogic Corporation.
*For future release.