OEC Medical Systems, Inc. Launches Breakthrough

Intraoperative Imaging Platform SALT LAKE CITY (PROTEXT) - Today at the worldwide salesmeeting of OEC Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: OXE) the companylaunched its new Series 9800(TM) Digital Mobile Imaging System.This breakthrough product platform offers the only real-time 1k x1k imaging resolution technology available in a mobile system.This cost-effective technology designed to capitalize on theever-increasing range of surgical procedures requiring advancedimaging capabilities, will be the platform for the next cycle ofOEC's new product introductions. "The 1k x 1k imaging resolution technology in the Series 9800is comparable to the latest fixed-room fluoroscopic imagingsystems at a significantly reduced cost," said Joseph W. Pepper,president and CEO of OEC. "This cost and image qualitycombination makes this platform a preferable alternative tofixed-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 theindustry leader in innovative X-ray imaging technology applied tomobile fluoroscopy, and the 9800's phenomenal features areindicative of our continuing strength in the field. This productis a total redesign of current mobile C-arm equipment and asignificant leap forward," he added. According to Pepper, theproduct will begin shipping for demos after the conclusion of theworldwide sales meetings and be available for customers within 60days. The new 1k x 1k imaging resolution technology of the 9800 C-arm creates an expanded, more powerful platform with nearly fourtimes as much data handling capacity and up to twice theresolution of OEC's Series 9600, today's industry gold standard.This allows physicians and technologists to see greateranatomical detail in bone and tissue and more precise definitionof vascular anatomy. This improved imaging capability isespecially important in minimally invasive procedures. "OEC's high resolution digital imaging in its 1k x 1k systemcoupled with the high power generator provides images of thecoronary vasculature and peripheral vasculature which areequivalent to the finest fixed rooms," said Dr. James Goldstein,director of Research and Education, Division of Cardiology atWilliam Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. Another breakthrough design feature of the 9800 isAutoTrak(TM), which automatically tracks the subject anatomyanywhere within the imaging field for true point-and-shoot easeof use. According to the company, even if the subject anatomymoves within the field of view, AutoTrak maintains an optimalimage. Throughout its operation, the 9800 uses the lowest X-raydose without relinquishing image quality. Other breakthrough, user-friendly features include anintuitive touch screen control system, which allows even new orinexperienced users to be experts at system operation. Clinicalfeedback 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 mobileC-arm, the Series 6600 MINI C-arm, and the Uroview 2600 urologytable and imaging system -- further strengthens OEC's range ofproducts as the broadest in the industry. OEC Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: OXE) with headquarters inSalt Lake City, Utah, is rapidly establishing itself as theglobal leader in providing cost-effective solutions that meet theimaging and information requirements of both conventional andminimally invasive surgery, interventional procedures andemerging medical technologies. Found in hospitals, outpatientclinics, surgical centers and even in physician office settings,OEC's broad product line, ranges from its Mini C-arm forextremity imaging, to specialized full-size mobile fluoroscopicimaging systems for orthopedic, urological, neurovascular andcardiac procedures. ots Original Text Service: OEC MedicalSystems, Inc. Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de NOTE TOEDITORS: A photo will be available after 11 a.m. EDT athttp://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990510/LAM040 or (in theUSA) NewsCom, 213-237-5431 Contact: Linda M. Etzel, InvestorRelations of OEC Medical Systems, Inc., (in the USA) 801-536-4806Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/630450.htmlor fax, (in the USA) 800-758-5804, ext. 630450 Web site:http://www.oecmed.com

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