Viking 3D/HD Laparoscopic Vision System provides superior stereoscopic depth perception

Viking Systems, Inc. (OTCBB: VKNG), a leading worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of 3D and 2D visualization solutions for complex minimally invasive surgery, announced the results of a poster presentation that was given at the 2011 Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons ("SAGES") meeting held in San Antonio, on April 2, 2011.

“Initial Experience with the Viking 3D/HD Laparoscopic System”

The poster, entitled "Initial Experience with the Viking 3D/HD Laparoscopic System" was presented by J. Esteban Varela, MD from the Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis School of Medicine. Conclusions from the poster included:

• The Viking 3D/HD Vision System delivers state-of-the-art 3D/HD vision during minimally invasive surgery, providing superior stereoscopic depth perception and visualization of critical anatomic structures.
• The 3D/HD system has the potential to improve skill performance and therefore clinical outcomes; reducing procedure time, minimizing equipment set-up and decreasing overall operating costs when compared to other 3D systems.
• Clinical studies evaluating the 3D/HD system are warranted.

The poster was presented during the Emerging Technology Session of the Conference, where surgeons, physicians and scientists from academic centers as well as industry were invited to submit abstracts for presentation. The submission guidelines encouraged topics that reflected "late breaking", "cutting-edge" or novel information.

During the poster session, Dr. Varela commented, "The benefits of 3DHD were obvious to me from the first time I used the system. I am looking forward to our study that will compare the results of 'Fundamental Laparoscopic Skills' protocol comparing the performance of a set of standardized tasks in 2D versus 3D."

Jed Kennedy, President & CEO of Viking Systems, said, "We are very pleased with Dr. Varela's presentation and are looking forward to the results of the upcoming study. We were also encouraged by the response we received to our new 3DHD Vision System from the delegates who attended the Conference. As our system continues to gain interest from surgeons and administrators, we expect scientifically based studies documenting the benefits of the 3DHD Vision System will further justify the purchase based on reduced procedural times and potentially improved outcomes."