IMRIS collaborating with KARL STORZ for imaging suite integration

VISIUS^® Surgical Theatre featuring KARL STORZ OR1^® Integration Solutions enhances OR control, image and connectivity management and patient safety applications

WINNIPEG, Sept. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - IMRIS Inc. (NASDAQ: IMRS) (TSX: IM) ("IMRIS" or the "Company") today announces a global partnership with KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG to merge VISIUS Surgical Theatre system integration with OR1 technology from KARL STORZ. IMRIS's unmatched intraoperative vision in specialized hybrid operating rooms will be combined with KARL STORZ's range of state-of-the-art networking technologies to provide efficient image and data management, facilitate workflow and enhance safety in the intraoperative imaging environment that is the VISIUS Surgical Theatre.

"Our customers are looking for tools to simplify management of intraoperative data and optimize clinical workflow and efficiency for their new suites and KARL STORZ is a proven long-term innovator in this space," said David Graves, Chairman and CEO, IMRIS. "VISIUS Surgical Theatre integration goes beyond conventional OR integration as we are able to build advanced safety features into the system. When we merge proprietary IMRIS system integration with Image Management, Network Access and Data Aggregation from KARL STORZ OR1, we create an ideal intraoperative imaging suite."

Connectivity, image management workflow, patient safety applications, and service are the primary features and benefits of this collaboration. KARL STORZ OR1 operating rooms combine digital technologies that provide intuitive centralized control of systems and equipment within the room. Innovative digital control systems seamlessly integrate an array of key OR devices and environmental components. These capabilities will combine with IMRIS's integration elements of ScanCheck, collision detection systems, and system interlocks for safe control of on-demand imaging movement and technology for eliminating RF interference during imaging.

Every VISIUS Surgical Theatre featuring OR1 provides cutting-edge network capabilities to aid communication, such as video streaming, documentation and archiving, as well as video on demand for educational purposes. It offers exceptional ergonomics and a user-friendly design to optimize the workflow and patient safety. Both IMRIS and KARL STORZ are innovators in improving image and data access, ease of workflow and safety in the OR environment.

"KARL STORZ has built its expertise in OR integration since the late 1990s and since then pioneered this field as an innovation leader. With our integration and networking know-how, we are an ideal complement to IMRIS's leadership in its field of image guided therapy solutions. As the IMRIS technology expands beyond neurosurgery, KARL STORZ is perfectly positioned to support other applications as we have leading solutions in every minimally-invasive surgical specialty," said Charlie Wilhelm, President and COO, KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc.

KARL STORZ recently celebrated their 3,000^th U.S. OR1 system installation, which was completed at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and represents the first installation under this partnership. IMRIS has sold 55 systems around the world and continues to expand its portfolio in the areas of intraoperative MR and CT, MR guided radiation therapy and image guided robotics.

About IMRIS

IMRIS (NASDAQ: IMRS) (TSX: IM) is a global leader in providing image guided therapy solutions through its VISIUS Surgical Theatre - a revolutionary, multifunctional surgical environment that provides unmatched intraoperative vision to clinicians to assist in decision making and enhance precision in treatment. VISIUS Surgical Theatres serve the neurosurgical, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular markets and have been selected by leading medical institutions around the world.

About KARL STORZ

KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc., is an affiliate of KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG, an international leader for more than 65 years in reusable endoscope technology, encompassing all endoscopic specialties. Based in Tuttlingen, Germany, KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG is a family-owned company that designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets all its products with an emphasis on visionary design, precision craftsmanship and clinical effectiveness. For more information, call [phone] or visit the company's Web site at www.karlstorz.com.

SOURCE: IMRIS Inc.

Brad Woods
Director Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
IMRIS Inc.
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected] 

Susan Jaffy Marx
Marketing Communications
Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
[phone]