10/11/2000
Renowned Surgical Center to Support Retinal Scanning Display Development As Key Visualization Technology for Operating Room of the Future
BOTHELL, Wash., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ — Microvision, Inc. (Nasdaq: MVIS) today announced that The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Minimally Invasive
Surgery Center has initiated a development relationship to support their
evaluation of Microvision’s retinal scanning display technology (RSD) for
future medical applications. To conduct the first in a series of evaluations,
the Cleveland Clinic has purchased a full-color and single-color prototype
display. The value of the initial investment was approximately $600,000 and
supports Microvision’s continued efforts to conduct field tests of prototype
display systems with a variety of strategic partners. The Cleveland Clinic
will conduct studies focused primarily on image-guided surgery and minimally
invasive procedures.
Surgeons wearing the displays will view procedure-relevant images as well
as patient data and vital signs through the revolutionary RSD technology which
‘paints’ rows of pixels on the users eye. The result is that the surgeon
experiences what is called ‘augmented vision’ where electronic images are
superimposed over the real world.
With advances in image guided systems and computer graphics technology,
the output of traditional diagnostics imaging tools such as magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) can be turned into enhanced visual
reference models that are valuable for both preoperative planning and as a
visual guide to assist navigation during surgery. Microvision believes that
the advantages of their display enable improved surgical outcomes, greater
efficiency, reduced patient trauma, faster recovery and the ability to rapidly
teach and develop new procedures.
“As we begin to focus on the miniaturization of surgery, Microvision’s
display technology will be a necessary and valuable component of our
initiative,” commented Charles P. Steiner, Director of Product Development for
the Minimally Invasive Surgery Center at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
“Through Microvision’s display, surgeons will have access to pertinent
information and patient vital signs during surgery and this will transform
procedures inside the body while increasing surgical efficiency.”
“We are thrilled that The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has joined our
growing list of world leading medical partners,” stated Rick Rutkowski,
Microvision President and CEO. “We are pleased to work with the Cleveland
Clinic in developing a series of applications that will advance the surgical
use of RSD technology. We fully expect this initial collaboration will be
followed by other projects and we look forward to a long term relationship.”
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation will host a conference on October 15 and
16 entitled “Fantastic Voyage: the Operating Room of the Future” during which
modern day minimally invasive surgery will be contrasted to technologies
depicted in the 1966 film, “Fantastic Voyage.” Parallels will be drawn
between the concepts portrayed in the film and the reality of today’s
operating suites. Microvision’s RSD technology will be an integral part of a
modern minimally invasive surgical suite and will be featured as one of the
core technologies that will enable the operating room of the future.
About Microvision
Headquartered in Bothell, Wash., Microvision, Inc. is the developer of the
patented retinal scanning display technology and a world leader in micro
miniature optical scanning technology for display and imaging applications.
The company’s technology has application in a broad range of military,
medical, industrial, professional and consumer information products.
Additional information can be found at the company’s web site at http://www.mvis.com
About the Cleveland Clinic
The Cleveland Clinic Minimally Invasive Surgery Center is leading the way
into a new era of surgical treatment, challenging the conventional with
pioneering techniques and leading-edge technologies that promise to
revolutionize the management of many diseases and conditions. Additional
information can be found at the company’s web site at http://www.ccf.org.
Forward Looking Statement
The information set forth in this release includes “forward-looking
statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those
sections. Certain factors that realistically could cause results to differ
materially from those projected in the company’s forward-looking statements
are set forth in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.