Eklin Medical Systems, Inc. Signs Letter of Intent With ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc. for Distribution of Zone Sonography(TM) z.one System

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Eklin Medical Systems, Inc. today announced it has signed a letter of intent with ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc., a developer of premium ultrasound systems, for the distribution of ZONARE's z.one ultrasound system to the equine veterinary care market in North America and select countries internationally. Eklin is a leading provider of digital radiography (DR), ultrasound, PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications Systems) and Practice Management Software (VIA) around the globe.

"ZONARE has had significant success in the human healthcare market with its award-winning z.one ultrasound platform," said Gary R. Cantu, chairman and CEO for Eklin. "We have been looking for a comprehensive, hand-held ultrasound system which could deliver high resolution imaging at a substantial price-to-value ratio for our equine clients. ZONARE's z.one ultrasound platform will help us fulfill this goal."

The z.one ultrasound system is a premium-quality, Convertible Ultrasound(TM) platform based on proprietary Zone Sonography(TM) technology. Veterinary care providers are able to easily convert the z.one system from a full-featured, cart-based system into a cutting-edge, hand-held ultrasound system without sacrificing image quality or performance. As a result, demanding clinical studies can be done in a variety of settings, including ambulatory care, with high diagnostic confidence and ease-of-use.

"We were extremely impressed with the image quality produced by this 5.5 pound, hand-held ultrasound system," said William J. Hornof, DVM, Diplomate ACVR, chief medical officer for Eklin. "The grayscale detail provides advanced soft tissue imaging which is important for equine tendon and ligament interrogation. The penetration and high-end color Doppler capabilities of the cardiac transducer will provide the ability to perform equine echocardiography examinations as well."

ZONARE has developed a wide variety of transducers providing the veterinary care provider with a wide variety of imaging options. For example, ZONARE's L14-5w transducer produces premium tendon and joint images for the equine patient. The P4-1c transducer offers cardiac function analysis and the T9-4 allows intercostal access in tight areas, such as between the ribs. Designed specifically for equine reproduction is ZONARE's high performance, reproductive probe. Numerous other transducers are also available.

Additionally, the z.one system's software-based architecture allows its performance to continue to improve as greater processing power becomes available. System software upgrades can be downloaded over the internet.

"The ZONARE technology not only delivers great value and premium image quality, but also offers many other advantages to the veterinary care market," said Cantu. "The upgradeable nature of Zone Sonography technology ensures a significant return on investment at a very economical price now and in the future."

About ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc.

ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc., based in Mountain View, Calif., develops, manufactures and commercializes premium compact ultrasound systems that combine its proprietary technology with an innovative physical design. Zone Sonography technology, ZONARE's unique patented approach to ultrasound imaging, is focused on bringing premium image quality, performance and features to a wide range of clinical settings. Additional information can be found at http://www.zonare.com.

Convertible Ultrasound and Zone Sonography are trademarks of ZONARE Medical Systems.

About Eklin Medical Systems, Inc.

With thousands of systems installed in private practices and universities around the globe, Eklin Medical Systems, Inc. is one of the world's leading providers of veterinary PACS, practice management software (VIA), ultrasound and digital radiography products. Clients include more than 90 percent of U.S. veterinary schools of medicine, such as UC Davis, Ohio State, University of Pennsylvania and Texas A&M. Numerous zoos and marine facilities, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Bronx, SeaWorld and the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Training Center, also employ Eklin Technology. Eklin is a privately-held company with reported sales revenues in excess of $35 million in 2007 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. The company can be contacted at 800-819-5538 or visit http://www.eklin.com.

CONTACT: Laurie Hallwyler of Eklin Medical Systems, +1-650-248-9081,
lhallwyler@eklin.com

Web site: http://www.eklin.com/
http://www.zonare.com/

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