Today at the worldwide sales meeting of OEC Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: OXE) the company launched its new Series 9800(TM) Digital Mobile Imaging System. This breakthrough product platform offers the only real-time 1k x 1k imaging resolution technology available in a mobile system. This cost-effective technology designed to capitalize on the ever-increasing range of surgical procedures requiring advanced imaging capabilities, will be the platform for the next cycle of OEC's new product introductions. "The 1k x 1k imaging resolution technology in the Series 9800 is comparable to the latest fixed-room fluoroscopic imaging systems at a significantly reduced cost," said Joseph W. Pepper, president and CEO of OEC. "This cost and image quality combination makes this platform a preferable alternative to fixed-room systems in many surgical or interventional situations. "OEC has continued its tradition of intraoperative imaging 'firsts' with the 9800 Digital Mobile Imaging System. We are the industry leader in innovative X-ray imaging technology applied to mobile fluoroscopy, and the 9800's phenomenal features are indicative of our continuing strength in the field. This product is a total redesign of current mobile C-arm equipment and a significant leap forward," he added. According to Pepper, the product will begin shipping for demos after the conclusion of the worldwide sales meetings and be available for customers within 60 days. The new 1k x 1k imaging resolution technology of the 9800 C- arm creates an expanded, more powerful platform with nearly four times as much data handling capacity and up to twice the resolution of OEC's Series 9600, today's industry gold standard. This allows physicians and technologists to see greater anatomical detail in bone and tissue and more precise definition of vascular anatomy. This improved imaging capability is especially important in minimally invasive procedures. "OEC's high resolution digital imaging in its 1k x 1k system coupled with the high power generator provides images of the coronary vasculature and peripheral vasculature which are equivalent to the finest fixed rooms," said Dr. James Goldstein, director of Research and Education, Division of Cardiology at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. Another breakthrough design feature of the 9800 is AutoTrak(TM), which automatically tracks the subject anatomy anywhere within the imaging field for true point-and-shoot ease of use. According to the company, even if the subject anatomy moves within the field of view, AutoTrak maintains an optimal image. Throughout its operation, the 9800 uses the lowest X-ray dose without relinquishing image quality. Other breakthrough, user-friendly features include an intuitive touch screen control system, which allows even new or inexperienced users to be experts at system operation. Clinical feedback on this feature has been especially positive. Adding the Series 9800 to the balance of OEC's product line -- the Series 9600 and 7700 mobile C-arms, the Compact 7700 mobile C-arm, the Series 6600 MINI C-arm, and the Uroview 2600 urology table and imaging system -- further strengthens OEC's range of products as the broadest in the industry. OEC Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: OXE) with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, is rapidly establishing itself as the global leader in providing cost-effective solutions that meet the imaging and information requirements of both conventional and minimally invasive surgery, interventional procedures and emerging medical technologies. Found in hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centers and even in physician office settings, OEC's broad product line, ranges from its Mini C-arm for extremity imaging, to specialized full-size mobile fluoroscopic imaging systems for orthopedic, urological, neurovascular and cardiac procedures. ots Original Text Service: OEC Medical Systems, Inc. Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de NOTE TO EDITORS: A photo will be available after 11 a.m. EDT at http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990510/LAM040 or (in the USA) NewsCom, 213-237-5431 Contact: Linda M. Etzel, Investor Relations of OEC Medical Systems, Inc., (in the USA) 801-536-4806 Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/630450.html or fax, (in the USA) 800-758-5804, ext. 630450 Web site: http://www.oecmed.com