CHICAGO- GE OEC Medical Systems, a subsidiary of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), today introduced the global launch of the OEC FlexiView™ 8800, a new flexible surgical C-arm based on the patented OEC 1k2 fluoroscopic imaging technology.

"Globally we recognized a growing need for a value-priced, basic surgical C-arm with high quality imaging - - an uncommon combination," said Ruben Berumen, President and CEO, GE OEC Medical Systems and General Manager Global Vascular. "Nobody else delivers what the FlexiView 8800 has - - 1k x 1k imaging resolution on this maneuverable and compact full-sized mainframe."

The continuing growth of minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) along with more procedures moving to smaller outpatient surgery centers has put a premium on size and imaging efficiencies. A small footprint and maneuverability have become essential features in crowded OR environments, second only to image quality and easy of use - - all key aspects of the new FlexiView 8800.

General and orthopedic surgeons are becoming more discerning about their imaging equipment, seeking higher quality imaging in the OR. The FlexiView's unique 1000-line resolution, exclusive to OEC's C-arms, enables surgeons to see more anatomical detail more clearly. With this specially tailored system, surgeons will have the system that exactly suits their needs. The FlexiView has the same easy-to-use imaging workstation found throughout the OEC line. The simple 1k2 touchscreen workstation is intuitive and will automatically set all imaging parameters to obtain the optimum image. These imaging efficiencies help speed procedures and enhance productivity.

Early clinical users of the FlexiView C-arm called it “a joy to use.” From lap choles to hip pinnings and a range of basic surgical procedures in between, the mobility of this C-arm enables it to move from one procedure to the next quickly and with little effort. Operators can just plug the system into a 110-volt outlet, and it's ready to fluoro.

The OEC FlexiView 8800 will be showcased at this year's Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting in Chicago with GE's other surgical imaging products. Included will be the gold standard OEC 9800®, the Compact Plus 7700™, the MiniView™ 6800 for extremity imaging, and the UroView® 2800 for urology imaging.

About GE OEC Medical Systems, Inc.
GE OEC Medical Systems is a global leader in cost-effective digital imaging solutions. Its broad product line meets the growing imaging and information requirements for patient care in conventional and minimally invasive surgery, interventional procedures and emerging medical technologies designed for a variety of healthcare settings. GE OEC is a GE Medical Systems company with global headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.

GE Medical Systems is a world leader in advanced medical technology and support. For more than 100 years, healthcare providers have relied on GE for high-quality technology, services and productivity solutions.