This is a couple of days old, but I thought some of you might not have seen this.
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Monday June 1, 11:26 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: VTEL Corporation
Princess Cruise Lines' Grand Princess Relies on VTEL Technology in State-of-the-Art SeaMed Telemedicine Application Digital Visual Communications Allows Hospital-Based Doctors to Treat Patients Who are at Sea Anywhere in the World
AUSTIN, Texas, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagine being on a cruise ship in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and having your sunburn treated by a team of specialists on the other side of the world. Digital Visual communications(SM) technology from VTEL(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: VTEL - news) is making such unprecedented medical care a reality aboard Princess Cruise Lines' Grand Princess, the world's largest and most expensive cruise ship, which launched today in Venice, Italy. The luxury liner is utilizing an application of VTEL technology known as SeaMed(TM), pioneered by Imageview, Inc., a company that designs and builds communications systems for specialty applications.
''We're pleased to have a role in this important telemedicine application,'' said Jerry S. Benson, Jr., VTEL president and chief executive officer. ''SeaMed is yet another example of VTEL systems being used to create a 'virtual here and now,' allowing interaction that would not be possible otherwise. VTEL is the global leader in Digital Visual Communications and applications like this underscore that fact.''
The SeaMed application being utilized by Grand Princess will connect the ship directly with emergency department physicians at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, creating a ''virtual emergency room.'' In addition to providing a live two-way video link, VTEL's Digital Visual Communications systems allow radiographs, ECG's and other physiologic signals to be transmitted to the hospital via satellite.
This ''virtual ER'' will be used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, such as cardiac, pulmonary, orthopedic and neurologic emergencies. A Cedars-Sinai specialist will be able to work directly with Grand Princess physicians, thereby providing an extra level of medical expertise.
SeaMed equipment from Imageview relies on VTEL technology as its foundation. VTEL's TC2000 Large Group Conferencing System, equipped with a high-definition monitor, is at the heart of the system. The VTEL unit offers a 512 Kbps line rate, high-quality 30-frames-per-second video and single- button-launch application sharing. This custom system also features an articulating arm with an attached lipstick camera that can give a physician an up-close look at a patient's injury or medical problem. A VTEL camera is provided to meet regular videoconferencing requirements.
Imageview developed SeaMed specifically for medical communications with remote locations including private yachts, commercial shipping and oil platforms.
''You can be sailing around the world and still have face-to-face check-ups with your neighborhood doctor. That is the power of today's Digital Visual Communications,'' said Benson. ''This is a technology that continually demonstrates how it will help people as it is applied in new and ever-more demanding environments.''
VTEL Corporation is the world's largest developer and manufacturer of Digital Visual Communications systems. VTEL's innovative products provide superior video, data and voice quality, are simple-to-use, IP addressable, and because they are microcomputer-based, highly scaleable and easily upgradeable. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company distributes products through value-added resellers and partners in 55 countries. VTEL is committed to expanding its leadership position by providing the world's most innovative video networking, custom room solutions and project/facility management. VTEL's Digital Visual Communications systems are deployed in the most advanced corporations, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and government operations around the globe.
SeaMed is a registered trademark of the Imageview Corporation.
VTEL is a registered trademark of VTEL Corporation. Digital Visual Communications is a servicemark of VTEL Corporation.
SOURCE: VTEL Corporation
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