Dornier to show new technology.

FALLS CHURCH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 1997--

Cancer treatment and detection can be improved

On Wednesday, March 12, Dornier Surgical Products, Inc. will demonstrate a new Image Analysis System (IAS) that is designed to improve the treatment and detection of prostate disease.

The demonstration seminar, sponsored by BioComputer Research, Inc. (BCR), the inventors of the "intelligence-producing" algorithm, will be held at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church, Va., starting at 5 p.m. The demonstration is free and open to all interested parties; however, seating is limited so attendees should call 800/800-6438 to reserve a space.

Thermal Mapping, one of the medical applications of the BCR technology developed by Dornier, was designed to enable the visualization of tissue temperature changes and the tracking of tissue damage during heat therapy. To date, an inability to observe and monitor the tissue destruction process has greatly limited the development of new minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Thermal Mapping will provide a very low cost monitoring technique for tissue ablation. Currently, only special MRI open core magnet systems that cost more than $1 million can be used to monitor tissue destruction.

Richard diMonda, director of corporate development for Dornier Surgical Products, Inc. in Atlanta, will explain that thermal mapping should allow physicians to see the extent of tissue destruction beneath the surface using their existing ultrasound systems and Dornier's analysis console. "It is believed that with the use of Thermal Mapping technology, many blindly administered tissue ablation procedures whose clinical outcomes are quite variable will be greatly improved," said diMonda.

The technology can also be taught to recognize the different backscatter signatures of tissue, with the goal of being able to separate benign from malignant tissue. Initial pilot studies look promising for identifying cancer within the prostate and in actually guiding the administration of transrectal biopsy. "There are a number of case studies where use of this technology enabled the physician to target and successfully biopsy cancer that could not be identified with standard ultrasound," said diMonda.

In addition to its medical applications, the technology can be applied to other fields. Airline security personnel at the seminar will demonstrate how the core technology can also enhance detection of bombs and contraband.

Dornier Surgical Products, Inc. (DSPI), a newly formed subsidiary of Dornier Medical Systems, Inc. (DMSI), specializes in research projects for non-and minimally-invasive treatments for breast and prostate disease. Based in Kennesaw, Ga., DMSI has facilities across North America. Its Munich-based parent company, Dornier Medizintechnik GmbH, is majority owned by Singapore Technologies, a technology-based conglomerate.

CONTACT: Hill and Knowlton, Inc.

Kristi Ledford, 800/800-6438

or

Dornier Medical Systems, Inc.

Julie Bennett, 770/426-1315