Viking Systems, Inc. USA

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Expands Distribution Network Internationally to India

Wednesday February 7, 10:19 am ET

Continued Global Growth of Minimally Invasive Surgery Creates Demand for

Viking's Innovative 3-D Surgical Technology in India

 

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 7, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Viking Systems, Inc. (OTC

BB:VKSY.OB - News), a designer, manufacturer and marketer of

high-performance laparoscopic vision systems for use in minimally invasive

surgical (MIS) procedures, has expanded its international distribution

network by adding a strategic partner in India through the signing of an

exclusive agreement with Surgdent Medicare Pvt., Ltd. (``Surdgent'').

Surdgent, based in Pune, India, located 120 kilometers east of Mumbai, is a

15-year-old organization specializing in the sales and marketing of a

complete range of minimally invasive surgical products and technologies

throughout India.

 

Viking and Surgdent will launch their new partnership by jointly

participating in the Annual Congress of Association of Minimal Access

Surgeons (AMASICON) held from February 8-11 in Hyderabad, India.

 

``India currently has over 5,000 general surgeons practicing laparoscopy and

the market is growing over 20% annually,'' said Shirish Joshi, Director at

Surgdent. ``Our exclusive agreement to market Viking Systems' 3Di Digital

Vision System allows our hospitals and surgeons to economically obtain the

latest 3-D technology today. By naturally and ergonomically restoring depth

perception for minimally invasive surgery, our surgeons will be able to

learn the latest surgical techniques more rapidly and provide the benefits

to patients all over the country.''

 

``India is a strategic market for our technology and Surgdent represents a

strong partner to accelerate our growth with their significant experience

and quality management,'' stated Stephen Heniges, Vice President, Corporate

Accounts and International Business at Viking Systems. ``The additional

dimension of depth perception, which is a critical missing component from

traditional minimally invasive surgery, translates to better patient

outcomes and enhanced surgeon proficiency. Our customers also appreciate the

shortened learning curve for mastering new and complex minimally invasive

procedures.''

 

``Our 3-D technology and equipment delivers critical information directly to

the surgeon and operating room team that is unique in the industry,''

concluded Donald E. Tucker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking

Systems. ``We are pleased that Surgdent has joined our global distribution

network and we look forward to their success in the rapidly growing

minimally invasive surgical market in India.''

 

Viking Systems is now represented in nine major markets outside the U.S. and

the Company will continue to pursue strategic partners in key markets

globally.

 

About Surgdent Pvt. Ltd.

 

Surgdent Medicare Pvt. Ltd. is a 15-year-old organization specializing in

marketing a complete range of minimally invasive surgery products. Surgdent

has a strong sales and service network covering India with 41 employees

spread countrywide and also channel partners. Surgdent has a track record of

introducing path-breaking technology at reasonable prices and works closely

with many laparoscopy training centers in India.

 

About Viking Systems, Inc.

 

Viking Systems, Inc. is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of

FDA-cleared, CE-marked, high-performance laparoscopic vision systems. The

Company's primary branded product is the EndoSite 3Di Digital Vision System,

an advanced three-dimensional (3-D) vision system used by surgeons for

complex minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, with an initial focus on

applications in urology, gynecology, bariatrics and general surgery. Viking

also manufactures advanced two-dimensional (2-D) EndoSite 2Di Digital Vision

Systems for targeted configurations and channels, as well as 2-D cameras and

components, sold through strategic partner and OEM programs.

 

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of

1995: This press release includes forward-looking statements including, but

not limited to, our ability to execute on our business plan during 2007 and

beyond, our strategic planning and business development plans, our future

financing needs, impacts on our financial results, and our future growth.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and

uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those

described in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are

not limited to, our ability to market our products, the success of business

development efforts, competition in the industry, and our ability to manage

growth, as well as the risks and other factors set forth in our periodic

filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.