Press Release:
CTI Subsidiary Files Patent Application for Data Analysis ProcessUsed to Identify Malignant Breast Tumors
OGDEN, Utah, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Computerized Thermal Imaging, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: COII) (CTI), a leader in the development of thermal imaging systems for the diagnosis of malignant breast cancer tumors, said today that its Thermal Medical Imaging, Inc. (TMI) subsidiary has filed a provisional patent application with the U.S. Patent Office for the thermal data analysis process used in its proprietary breast imaging system.
TMI's breast imaging system, which is an adjunct to mammogram and clinical breast examinations, is currently undergoing clinical trials to test the efficacy of the system in differentiating benign from malignant breast abnormalities with the intent of reducing the number of benign biopsies performed. The system uses a sophisticated heat sensitive camera to record an image of heat waves produced by breast tissue. This image is then processed by a proprietary computer program that is designed to recognize and differentiate the distinct heat signatures of malignant and benign breast tumors. The procedure is painless and requires no exposure to radiation or breast compression.
The thermal data analysis process, which is the subject of the patent application, employs a specially developed computer algorithm to assign probabilities of malignancy to the suspicious breast area, evaluating the mathematical temperature data residing in the thermal image, rather than relying on structural or architectural patterns. The process then generates images for clinical assessment by trained physicians to assist in determining the nature of breast lesions prior to biopsy.
"This patent application represents another step that we are taking to protect our proprietary technology," said David A. Packer, CTI's president. "The TMI system is comprised of three functions: thermal data acquisition, thermal data analysis and clinical evaluation, which have been developed to provide doctors with a diagnostic tool, which has the potential to reduce unnecessary breast biopsies by as much as 38 percent, while maintaining a specificity of 96 percent. The thermal data analysis component represents an integral step in this process, and is one that clearly differentiates our approach from previous thermal imaging systems," Packer added.
Computerized Thermal Imaging, Inc. develops and deploys thermal imaging and associated technologies for use in the enhancement of medical screening, diagnosis and patient management. More information about CTI can be found on the Internet at www.cti-net.com or by calling CTI Public Affairs at (801) 776-4700.
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition to the factors set forth above, other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to technical risks associated with new technology development, government regulatory approvals or continued working capital. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company's SEC filings. Copies of these filings may be obtained by contacting the Company or the SEC.
SOURCE Computerized Thermal Imaging, Inc.
CO: Computerized Thermal Imaging, Inc.
ST: Utah
IN: MTC
SU: PDT
12/07/98 08:39 EST prnewswire.com |
