TomTec Imaging Introduces 4D Cardio-View Ultrasound Powered by VolumePro.

Medical, Health & High Tech Writers/Business Editors

SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 20, 2001

TomTec Imaging Systems GmbH, a worldwide leader in Three-and Dynamic-Three-Dimensional ultrasound technologies (3D / 4D Ultrasound), is introducing 4D Cardio-View(TM), its new real-time Ultrasound product. 4D Cardio-View is powered by VolumePro(TM) technology from the Real Time Visualization division of TeraRecon Inc. TeraRecon recently acquired the Real Time Visualization division from Mitsubishi Electric . The VolumePro integrated hardware and software solution provides real time 3D volume rendering capability to standard computer systems.

TomTec's 4D Cardio-View is a very versatile, real-time, 3D-ultrasound processing and analysis tool. It is designed for the immediate display and evaluation of dynamic-three-dimensional ultrasound images. The technology is applicable for most commercially available 3D acquisition methods such as transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as well as cardiac freehand acquisition.

Imaging ultrasound data in 3D dramatically improves the display and comprehension of anatomy and function. Real time rendering is applied to these data which allows for clinical information to be accessed and manipulated in real time. The ability to access and manipulate vast amount of data increases not only the amount of data to be visualized but improves the quality of diagnostic information. Real time rendering allows the user to analyze, display, and diagnose anatomical structures without any time delay. 4D Cardio-View is available for stand-alone Windows NT workstations or as add-on option for existing TomTec 3D workstations.

"4D Cardio-View product family is TomTec's solution for its customers with the need for faster and easier access to the benefits of three-dimensional ultrasound data. Also, this new technology is tailored to address new requirements like OR applications in Cardiology where fast access to clinically relevant data is essential", states Frank Schlau, TomTec's VP of sales and marketing.

Bernhard Mumm, CTO and President adds, "For us, the excitement of these new improvements is tremendous. With the real-time product family we, once again, put TomTec at the forefront of new technologies and at the same time have a solution for the clinically oriented user."

VolumePro is the world's first 3D real-time volume rendering technology targeted to enable immediate diagnosis of increasing amounts of 3D / 4D volume data for medical applications. VolumePro is already used extensively by manufacturers of CT and MR scanners and 3D workstations to improve interactivity, clarity of image, and ease of manipulation of large volumes. Ultrasound manufacturers are increasingly employing VolumePro technology for 3D and 4D imaging requirements.

Jamie Jacobs, Chief Operating Officer of TeraRecon observed; "The availability of true 3D and 4D ultrasound solutions will dramatically increase the value of Ultrasound applications in Cardiology, Obstetrics and a host of other clinical applications. With this announcement, TomTec has continued its lead in practical, cost effective solutions for advanced visualization in Ultrasound."

About TomTec

TomTec headquarters are located in Munich Germany. TomTec's international operations include offices in Japan, Singapore and three regional offices in the USA. TomTec maintains close working relationships with many leading universities and ultrasound manufactures worldwide. With a large installed base of approximately 500 3D-ultrasound systems TomTec holds a leadership position in 3D ultrasound. TomTec's product line encompasses a wide range of 3D-ultrasound technology for acquisition, analysis and reconstruction. The product line is applicable to the fields of adult and pediatric cardiology as well as OB/GYN, radiology, and vascular. For more information, please contact; Frank Schlau at TomTec Imaging Systems, GmbH - Munich, Germany, [phone] ([e-mail]) or visit our web at http://www.tomtec.de.

About TeraRecon Inc.

TeraRecon is a fast growing, privately held company headquartered in San Mateo, CA, with branch offices in Tokyo and Concord, MA. TeraRecon targets the medical imaging industry on many levels. In addition to providing proprietary processing and reconstruction solutions with unprecedented speed for next generation CT and ultrasound scanners, the company provides products for the entire range of medical imaging applications from acquisition, to review, distribution and archiving. It's Real Time Visualization division, recently acquired from Mitsubishi Electric, has established itself as a world leader in providing proprietary, patented real-time 3D imaging solutions for medical, geophysical, scientific, and research applications.