Viking Systems, Inc. Announces Newly Optimized Stereoscopic Surgical Camera as Part of the Company's EndoSite 3Di Digital Vision System.

SAN DIEGO -- Viking Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:VKSY), a manufacturer of three dimensional (3D) laparoscopic vision systems for use in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), announced today that it has released an enhanced stereo surgical camera as part of the Company's EndoSite 3Di Digital Vision System product portfolio. The camera now includes three distinct adjustable settings to optimize 3D vision in varying laparoscopic environments. The identification of these settings was the result of in-depth clinical investigations at academic medical centers and hospitals in the U.S. and Europe, aimed at understanding the light and aperture positions necessary to bring today's minimally invasive visualization standards to a higher and more specified level in a variety of surgical specialties.

"To optimize 3D vision and enhance depth perception in different laparoscopic video environments, different laparoscopic approaches to the abdomen and pelvis, and even individual segments of various procedures require unique settings for optimal light and aperture positions," said Rob Tierney, Viking's Vice-President, Clinical Development. "Through our collaborative research of complex Urologic, Gynecologic and General MIS procedures, our surgeon partners believe the optimized visual field provides the most advantageous operating environment."

The new settings are procedure-specific, each one providing the optimal conditions for that anatomical space. The first setting is for small, light-deprived anatomical environments, like the pelvic region. The second setting provides specifications for procedures in the abdominal cavity, and the third is designed specifically for laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.

"Many procedures, such as the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy are performed in a small anatomic space," said Tierney. "This environment is visually very different from one that a surgeon faces performing a laparoscopic colon resection, where the larger abdominal cavity requires brighter light and aperture considerations. The newly fitted camera addresses both types of environments instantly, providing the laparoscopic surgeon a customized video transmission. Because of the highly individualized nature of surgical technique, MIS surgeons strongly prefer this customizability for their cases."

The camera itself is a major component of the larger EndoSite 3Di Digital Vision System, an immersive 3D surgical visualization system used by minimally invasive surgeons. The system offers surgeons 3D vision, on-demand access to existing clinical images and patient information, and complete freedom of movement while remaining directly engaged with the patient.

"This latest feature added to the EndoSite 3Di is just another in a long list of those which will improve the overall surgical experience for minimally invasive surgeons," said Lonna J. Williams, Viking's Senior Vice-President, Commercial Operations. "These new settings, combined with the ergonomics of the Head-Mounted Display (HMD), the voice-activated access to clinical information, and the immersive 3D optics, make the EndoSite 3Di a truly unique and beneficial offering for surgeons and their patients."

About Viking Systems Inc.

Viking Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:VKSY) provides high performance 3D endoscopic vision systems to hospitals for minimally invasive surgery (MIS).Viking is leveraging that position to become a market leader in bringing integrated solutions to the digital surgical environment. Our focus is to deliver integrated information, visualization, and control solutions to the surgical team, enhancing their capability and performance in MIS and complex surgical procedures. Viking Systems is headquartered in La Jolla, CA. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.vikingsystems.com.