HP Introduces 3-D Cardiac-Imaging Software; Package to Debut at ASE Scientific Sessions June 9 to 12.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 10, 1996-- Hewlett-Packard Company, the leader in cardiac ultrasound, today introduced a 3-D acquisition software package for medical researchers to reconstruct 3-D cardiac images. These 3-D reconstructed images provide a detailed assessment of the cardiac chambers, size of abnormalities and segmental wall motion -- helping to improve qualitative diagnostic capabilities in echocardiography. The package is slated to debut at the American Society of Echocardiography's 7th Annual Scientific Sessions in Chicago from June 9 to 12 (HP Booth No. 10).

"Completely integrated within the SONOS 2500, the HP 3-D acquisition package and digital storage and retrieval (DSR) technology offers a superior combination of image quality and innovative technology," said Gary Abrahams, marketing manager of HP's Imaging Systems Division. "By preserving a superior level of digital quality, uncompromised data can then be reconstructed by an off-line system with the highest quality of 3-D image reconstruction possible."

The integrated HP 3-D acquisition software features a number of HP imaging-systems technologies. They include QuickTouch controls; extended continuous loop review (CLR) memory; chest impedance respiration; improved DSR; and gating algorithms developed by and licensed from TomTec Imaging Systems, Inc. With HP 3-D acquisition technology, there is no need to transport or use two devices for acquisition of 3-D data sets.

The new package is designed to help researchers detect and diagnose congenital heart disease by providing a comprehensive assessment of complex cardiac structures and great vessels. As a surgical planning tool, the integrated HP 3-D acquisition software offers detailed assessments of cardiac anatomy, location and size of abnormalities, and it helps post-operatively to assess the type of repair or intervention required.

"Computer-based 3-D imaging can be a vital tool in helping to manage cardiac patients more effectively," said Dr. Natesa Pandian, director of the Cardiovascular Imaging and Hemodynamic Laboratory at New England Medical Center. "It can provide an accurate road map for analyzing complex cardiac structures. High-resolution 3-D images, such as those offered by HP's technology, are the next logical step in assessing and diagnosing cardiac patients."

FEATURES OF HP'S 3-D ACQUISITION SOFTWARE

-- Fast transfer for high-quality images: Once 2-D images

are captured, data is transferred immediately to the

DSR magneto-optical disk of the HP SONOS 2500. When

transferred to an off-line system for 3-D

reconstruction, the digitally stored images provide the

same resolution and quality as the originally acquired

images, including uncompromised grayscale, color flow

and edge definition. Whether clinicians review stored

images on-line or stored images on optical disk

off-line, there is no reduction of resolution from the

real-time image.

-- Off-line compatibility with other off-line

reconstruction packages -- The data from the DSR

optical disk is in US-TIFF format on magneto-optical

disks, making HP 3-D acquisition package compatible

with many other reconstruction packages, such as those

from TomTec Imaging Systems, Inc.

U.S. PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The HP 3-D acquisition package is available immediately worldwide and is $27,500.

HP's Medical Products Group, headquartered in Andover, Mass., is a leading provider of information products and services for the health care industry, including patient monitoring, diagnostic cardiology, ultrasound imaging, computer systems, software and integration services, support and maintenance services and hospital supplies. MPG has 5,300 employees worldwide and had revenue of $1.3 billion in its 1995 fiscal year.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 108,300 employees and had revenue of $31.5 billion in its 1995 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com. -0-

NOTE TO U.S. EDITORS: For more information on TomTec Imaging Systems and its products, contact TomTec at 1-800-922-6543.

Reader inquiries should be addressed to:

Hewlett-Packard Medical Products Group

Attn: Maria Laguarda

89 Doug Brown Way

Holliston, MA 01746

CUTLINE FOR SLIDE:

3-D reconstruction of a left atrial myxoma. (Slide No. PRME2920607)

CONTACTS: Hewlett-Packard

Phyllis Laorenza Linnehan, 508/659-2726

e-mail: [e-mail]

or

Mullen PR for HP

Robert Minicucci, 508/468-1155

e-mail: [e-mail]