GE Medical Systems To Acquire Visualization Technology, Inc.

Business Editors/Medical Writers

WAUKESHA, Wis./LAWRENCE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2002

Expands Presence in Fast-Growing Surgery Imaging Business

GE Medical Systems, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), announced today that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Visualization Technology, Inc. (VTI), a pioneer in electromagnetic (EM) based image guided surgery (IGS) systems. Using EM tracking, VTI`s InstaTrak(R) systems allow physicians to perform minimally invasive surgery without the line-of-sight restrictions of traditional IGS systems. This patented EM technology allows continuous navigation during a surgery procedure regardless of the patient's position or the location of the surgical instruments. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"Advances in surgical navigation will enable new, minimally invasive surgery procedures that will help reduce hospital stays and healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes," said Joseph M. Hogan, President and CEO of GE Medical Systems. "With VTI's EM tracking and visualization technology, we hope to help develop the next generation of image guided procedures that will become the surgery standard of care."

GE Medical Systems and VTI began working together in 2000 to develop the OEC FluoroTrak(TM) 9800, an integrated surgery imaging solution combining GE's patented 1K x 1K imaging technology with VTI's orthopedic and spine fluoro navigation applications. FluoroTrak 9800 is expected to be available this summer.

"With GE's imaging technology excellence, we will expand VTI's IGS capabilities by developing universal, open platforms that work in conjunction with all manufacturers' intraoperative tools, instruments, devices and implants," explained Ruben C. Berumen, General Manager of GE's Global Surgery and Vascular Imaging business. "This new, open platform will bring clinical solutions to surgeons faster and give them the flexibility to select the best technology for every patient situation."

GE Medical Systems' Surgery and Vascular Imaging business features the OEC 9800 C-arms, which provide high-resolution imaging during surgery and the Innova 2000, the world's first all-digital cardiovascular imaging system using GE's patented Revolution(TM) Flat Panel Digital Detector. GE Medical Systems has invested heavily in its interventional imaging technology with developments in 3D imaging and the incorporation of its digital flat panel technology across all of its imaging platforms. GE Medical will use these and other technology breakthroughs to develop navigation and visualization innovations for the 500 VTI systems installed globally, which cover IGS applications in the areas of Neuro, Spine, Orthopedics and Ear Nose & Throat (ENT).

"We are excited to have this opportunity to become part of the GE Medical Systems family," said Maurice R. Ferre, M.D., President of VTI. "Surgeons have told us they need a partner who can offer real-time imaging solutions. Our expertise in electromagnetic image guidance and visualization combined with the resources of GE Medical Systems will bring great value to our customers, employees, suppliers and patients."

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions, is expected to close in March 2002.

About Visualization Technology, Inc.

VTI is based in Lawrence, Mass., and employs approximately 100 people. Established in 1993, VTI is a privately held manufacturer of intraoperative systems and related products for use in image guided surgery in the specialties of ENT, Cranial, Spine and Orthopedics. For more information, visit the company's web site at http://www.visualizationtechnology.com/.

About GE Medical Systems

GE Medical Systems is an $8 billion global leader in medical imaging, interventional procedures, healthcare services, and information technology. Its offerings include networking and productivity tools, clinical information systems, patient monitoring systems, surgery and vascular imaging, conventional and digital X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, ultrasound and bone mineral densitometry, positron emission tomography, nuclear medicine, and a comprehensive portfolio of clinical and business services. For more than 100 years, health care providers worldwide have relied on GE Medical Systems for high quality medical technology and productivity solutions. For more information, visit the GE Medical Systems Web site at www.gemedical.com.