Audiovisual Technology Saves and Enhances Lives; AV Used to Separate Conjoined Twins, Share Medical Knowledge.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The audiovisual industry has many new releases to celebrate at its annual tradeshow, InfoComm 06, but none can compare with the release of formerly conjoined twins, Abby and Belle Carlsen, from Mayo Clinic this week. Today, about 25,000 InfoComm attendees are celebrating the technology behind the miraculous surgery that saved the lives of two girls that captured the world's attention and hearts.

Christopher Moir, MD, the pediatric surgeon who led the team caring for the Carlsens, revealed how audiovisual technology was used to help prepare for the complex operation via videoconference.

"The images obtained by Dr. Jane Matsumoto and her radiology colleagues were used to make 3-D animations and illustrations that enabled us to draw a detailed roadmap for the day of surgery," said Dr. Moir.

Audiovisual equipment also helped ensure that the medical discoveries made during this groundbreaking surgery are shared so other lives might be saved. "This technology will help us communicate what we have learned from the Carlsens' separation with colleagues at Mayo Clinic and elsewhere in the medical and surgical community, for the benefit of future patients everywhere. These patients may not be conjoined like Abby and Belle were, but may have cardiac, liver, or bile conditions in which the techniques developed and lessons learned will be helpful."

AV technology also helped provide a human touch, allowing well wishers from around the world to share their concerns about the twins and their family. "After their decision to go public with their story, the Carlsen family developed a support network not only in their community, but worldwide," says Lee Aase, manager for media relations at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. "The interest in Abby and Belle was enormous, and we needed a way to communicate their progress without hindering it, and to enable their parents and their care team to focus on providing them the best care. The audiovisual tools we used, including broadcast-quality video and publication-quality photos available for download on the web, as well as the web cast of the May 12 news conference, allowed news media to tell their story and let family, friends and supporters experience it directly."

Mayo Clinic uses audiovisual technology throughout their facilities, including a command and control center used to run a rail transportation system, videoconferencing systems used to educate physicians around the world, digital signage and more. "The purpose behind audiovisual equipment and services is to enhance communication, and the Mayo Clinic is a shining example of how AV technology can be used to its full potential," said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., Executive Director, InfoComm International, the trade association of the professional audiovisual and information communications industry. "Whether AV is used to create a better learning environment, protect vital infrastructure, provide a meaningful worship experience, or assist gifted doctors in saving lives, it is technology that is making a difference in the way we work and live."

About InfoComm International

InfoComm International is the trade association of the professional audiovisual and information communications industries. Established in 1939, the association's 4,000 members include manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, independent consultants, programmers, rental and staging companies, end-users and multimedia professionals from more than 70 countries. InfoComm International is the leading resource for AV market intelligence and news. Its training and education programs, along with its Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) and Certified Audiovisual Solutions Provider (CAVSP) credentials, set a standard of excellence for AV professionals. InfoComm International is the founder of InfoComm, the largest annual conference and exhibition for AV buyers and sellers worldwide, and also co-sponsors the Integrated Systems events in Europe, China, India and Asia. Additional information is available at www.infocomm.org.