Analogic Announces Agreement to Distribute Prostate Guidance Solution

Analogic to Offer D&K's BioJet Fusion System With Flex Focus Ultrasound for Precise, Targeted Prostate Biopsies


PEABODY, Mass., April 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Analogic Corporation (Nasdaq:ALOG), enabling the world's medical imaging and aviation security technology, announced today that it has entered into a distribution agreement with D&K Technologies, developer of the BioJet™ Solution, a revolutionary 3D MRI transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion technology. Analogic will distribute the BioJet system for use with its BK Flex Focus™ ultrasound systems, for assistance during precise, targeted prostate biopsies, in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Luxemburg, North America, Sweden Switzerland, and The Netherlands.

The BioJet Fusion system overlays real-time ultrasound images from the BK Flex Focus ultrasound system with MRI identified lesions to provide real-time guidance during prostate biopsies. Analogic's European launch of this advanced technology for MRI/ultrasound fusion guided biopsies will take place at the 29th Annual European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Stockholm, Sweden, April 11-15.

"We are very excited to distribute the BioJet System by D&K Technologies, a complementary combination of MRI for lesion visualization and real-time ultrasound for enhanced biopsy guidance," said Farley Peechatka, senior vice president and general manager of the Ultrasound Business at Analogic. "In particular, the targeted biopsies will help to guide physicians to potential regions of interest in the prostate that previously may have been missed. Precise, targeted biopsies will potentially reduce the incidence of under- and over-treatment of lesions."

The combination of the Flex Focus and BioJet offers a complete system that will support both transperineal and transrectal biopsy methods. The BK endocavity biplane transducer (8848) is ideal for transperineal fusion biopsies. In addition, there are two options for transrectal fusion biopsies — the BK triplane (8818) and BK biplane transducer (8808e). Data is easily imported and exported allowing for a more convenient working process between urologists and radiologists. Comprehensive biopsy reports contain fused MRI and ultrasound images, and biopsy cores. The complete system is simple to use with an intuitive user interface that includes easy contouring and fine-tuning, designed specifically for busy urology practices. Finally, the Flex Focus with the BioJet system has a small footprint, enabling it to fit into tight spaces in a clinic or practice. For more information, visit: www.analogicultrasound.com/fusion.

Background

According to researchers, the innovative fusion of MRI and ultrasound may be a better way to detect and assess prostate cancer, while helping men avoid unnecessary biopsies. This technology blends real-time imaging from MRI and ultrasound devices, allowing physicians to more accurately direct the biopsy needle that draws cell samples from suspected tumors. The technology is part of an overall approach to use MRI scans to determine which men need to undergo prostate biopsy and then use MRI/ultrasound fusion to perform the most efficient biopsy possible. MRI is also used during the biopsy, whereby an electromagnetic field generator is placed over the patient's hip, creating real-time MRI images that are combined with ultrasound images to guide the needle biopsy. The images from the earlier MRI screening can then be overlaid with the real-time images to provide visible targets for the physician to biopsy1.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men other than skin cancer. It is estimated in 2014 that approximately 233,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and 29,480 men will die of the disease2.

About Analogic

Analogic (Nasdaq:ALOG) provides leading-edge healthcare and security technology solutions to advance the practice of medicine and save lives. We are recognized around the world for advanced imaging systems and technology that enable computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, digital mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as automated threat detection for aviation security. Our CT, MRI, digital mammography, and ultrasound transducer products are sold to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), providing state-of-the-art capability and enabling them to enter new markets and expand their existing market presence. Our market-leading BK Medical and Ultrasonix branded ultrasound systems, used in procedure-driven markets such as urology, surgery, and point-of-care, are sold to clinical end users through our direct sales force. For over 40 years we've enabled customers to thrive, improving the health and enhancing the safety of people around the world. Analogic is headquartered just north of Boston, Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.analogic.com.

Analogic is a registered trademark of Analogic Corporation.

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1 http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/08/16/high-tech-prostate-scan-may-boost-cancer-detection

2 www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/detailedguide/prostate-cancer-key-statistics



            

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