Center for Diagnostic Imaging Chooses Confirma's CADstream As Official Computer-Aided-Detection For Breast MRI.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 2004

CADstream Creates New Standard For Women's Imaging At CDI Centers

Throughout the US

Confirma, Inc., the market leader for computer-aided-detection (CAD) systems for breast MRI, announced that today that its CADstream product has been chosen by the Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI), a leading national radiology practice, as their exclusive CAD solution for breast MRI. CDI has 28 centers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Washington and Florida. The agreement between Confirma and CDI includes an immediate sale and installation of four CADstream systems with the option to buy additional systems as CDI adds with more sites throughout the United States.

CADstream improves the efficiency and workflow of breast MRI studies by automating data analysis, improving image management and correcting for patient movement, assisting radiologists in the interpretation and analysis of these data-intensive studies. CADstream's automated features include image registration, subtractions, angiogenesis maps, interactive real-time contrast curves, multiplanar reformatting, maximum intensity projections (MIPs) and volume summaries. CADstream has been integrated into more than 70 U.S. imaging centers and can be used with any MR scanner or workflow scenario.

"CDI's first priority is always to offer patients the highest level of radiology expertise," said Steve Fischer, CDI's Chief Information Officer. "The integration of CADstream into our breast imaging program assists our subspecialty radiologists with providing referring physicians and their patients concise, accurate interpretations, aiding in early detection and the best possible treatment. CADstream also helps us streamline breast MR exams operationally."

"CDI has chosen CADstream as the exclusive CAD system for its breast MRI program," said Max Lyon, president and CEO, Confirma. "This agreement indicates CDI's strong commitment to providing the best in medical technology for better patient care."

Breast MRI is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnets and radio waves to visualize the inside of the body. In addition to being accurate and highly sensitive, MRI does not carry the inherent risks of radiation or invasive imaging procedures. The capacity of MRI to deliver high-quality images often eliminates the need for more expensive and invasive procedures.

Since 1999, there has been a 40 percent per year increase in the number of MRI studies performed in the United States. Breast MRI is primarily used for determining extent of disease (staging), monitoring response to therapy in breast cancer patients and screening patients at high risk for breast cancer. Approximately 8.5 million women in the U.S. are at high risk for developing breast cancer. In May 2003, the American Cancer Society released updated guidelines on breast cancer screening, recommending MRI as an effective and sensitive imaging adjunct to mammography.

As clinical indications and study volumes continue to expand, the amount of data produced per breast MRI exam has increased tremendously, with exams often producing 800 images. Physicians and MRI technologists spend a significant amount of time -- sometimes several hours -- manually processing and interpreting a breast MR study. CADstream automates the processing of breast MRI and corrects images for patient movement during the exam. Processing breast MRI studies using CADstream can reduce reading time by 60-80%.

About CDI

Founded in 1981, the Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI) is a unique, physician-led national radiology practice. Dedicated to high-quality, cost-effective diagnostic and therapeutic radiology services through its freestanding outpatient imaging centers across the country, CDI has expanded to 28 centers in six states, including Minnesota, Indiana, Florida, Missouri, Washington and Wisconsin. For more information about CDI, visit www.cdiradiology.com.

About Confirma, Inc.

Confirma, Inc. develops and markets computer-aided-detection (CAD) systems for medical imaging applications. CADstream is the first CAD system designed for MRI. CADstream provides higher quality imaging studies, lower costs for radiology practices and improved communication tools for physicians and patients. In its initial application, CADstream is being used to assist in the analysis of breast MRI studies; the company plans future applications in other medical imaging studies. Confirma was recently awarded the 2003 Entrepreneurial Company Award by Frost & Sullivan for its innovative CAD technology. For more information, visit www.confirma.com or call 877/976-1226.