GE Medical Systems to Double Production of Innova 2000; Customer Demand for Breakthrough Technology at All-Time High.

Business Editors/Technology Writers

WAUKESHA, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 2001

GE Medical Systems, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), today announced that it is doubling production of its state-of-the-art cardiovascular x-ray imaging system, Innova(TM) 2000. The all-digital, flat-panel technology was introduced in March 2000. Currently, there are more than 200 customer orders for the system, which holds more than 100 patents.

"The demand for GE's all-digital products, including the Innova 2000, is proof that our customers value technology leadership," said Ruben Berumen, General Manager Global Vascular and President/CEO, GE OEC Medical Systems. "Since being introduced to cardiac centers around the world, Innova has changed the way cardiologists see and treat cardiovascular disease."

Cardiologists in the cath lab use Innova 2000 during procedures to view and treat coronary artery blockages. With more than ten times the dynamic range of conventional systems, Innova 2000 allows cardiologists to view hard-to-see blood vessels, as well as devices used during procedures such as stents, guide wires and catheters. In addition, the GE Innova 2000 has advanced digital technology that aids cardiologists in seeing blood vessels with exceptional clarity even in larger patients whose images are more difficult to capture with conventional X-ray systems.

Innova 2000 utilizes GE's breakthrough Revolution(TM) digital detector -- the industry's first cardiac flat-panel, amorphous silicon detector -- to provide a fully digital imaging chain. By converting X-ray signals into digital images at the point of acquisition, the Revolution detector captures information with minimal loss over the full range of typical exposures. It also eliminates the artifacts and distortions associated with conventional image intensifier chains.

"Physicians at leading cardiology institutions have been the greatest ambassadors for this technology," said Brent Shafer, General Manager, Americas Cardiology Sales & Marketing for GE. "When a customer uses their new Innova 2000 system, they are harnessing the power of $150 million and 15 years of research."

The GE Medical Systems Innova 2000 will be featured with other GE cardiology technology at this year's Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics meeting to be held in Washington, DC beginning September 12, 2001.

About GE Medical Systems

GE Medical Systems is a global leader in medical information and technology. It features the world's most comprehensive range of high-performance cardiology systems designed to help cardiologists optimize productivity and cardiac disease management while maximizing efficiency. Its offerings include networking and productivity tools, healthcare information systems, patient monitoring systems, conventional and digital x-ray, computer tomography (CT) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CVMR), ultrasound, nuclear medicine, stress testing, ECG, Holter, electrophysiology, hemodynamic monitoring and a full-range of value-added services to help achieve the best possible return on cardiology investments.

GE Medical Systems is a world leader in advanced medical technology and support. For more than 100 years, healthcare providers have relied on us for high-quality technology, services and productivity solutions.

For more information, visit the GE Medical Systems' web site at gemedicalsystems.com.