ELKTON, MD (May 11, 2004) - W. L. Gore & Associates, committed to developing the next generation of MRI surface coils and medical electronic components, has signed the Medical Devices Sector of Intermagnetics General Corporation as exclusive distributor for all Gore branded flexible MRI surface coils. Under the new agreement, Intermagnetics' wholly owned subsidiaries, Invivo MDE and Medical Advances, Inc., will distribute the coils.
'We are very excited to have Intermagnetics, along with the breadth of the Invivo MDE sales force, as our distribution partner for our MRI coils,' states Alex Czernik, director of global MRI products for Gore. 'We believe that this is the best way for the MRI customers to access Gore's innovative flexible surface coils. The Intermagnetics team (consisting of both Invivo MDE and Medical Advances, Inc.) already have a reputation for providing high quality MRI products and services for their customers, and we are proud to have them represent our products. We believe that this is just the beginning. We hope to collaborate very closely with the Intermagnetics team to add new MRI coil products to this distribution portfolio.'
Thomas J. O'Brien, Intermagnetics' executive vice president of corporate development, noted the partnership with Gore represents the first external agreement that capitalizes on the enhanced global sales and distribution capabilities of Invivo Corporation, which the company recently acquired.
'Both Gore and our medical devices sector will gain from this association as we continue to leverage the strength of the Invivo sales and distribution team,' O'Brien said. 'Our Medical Advances subsidiary, along with its customers, will benefit from the broader line we will offer with the addition of Gore's complementary products. We look forward to initiating additional partnerships with Gore to complement our Medical Devices business.'
Among the MRI surface coils to be distributed are the GORE(TM) 4-Channel Cardiovascular Arrays and the GORE(TM) 8-Channel Multi-Purpose Torso Arrays. Both coils are compatible with the GE Signa(R) 1.5T Phased Array Systems on both the Excite and non-Excite platforms. They each consist of a 10-element, phased-array design providing heart and associated vasculature imaging, imaging of the abdomen, as well as imaging of the complete aorta from arch to iliac bifurcation. The lightweight coils offer superior image quality, long-term durability, ease in positioning, and increased patient comfort.
For more information on the coils, please visit Gore's Web site at http://www.gore.com/electronics.
ABOUT INTERMAGNETICS
Intermagnetics draws on the financial strength, operational excellence and technical leadership in its expanding business of Medical Technology that encompasses Magnetic Resonance Imaging Systems & Components and Patient Monitoring. Intermagnetics is also a key supplier to the markets within Instrumentation and has become a prominent participant in superconducting applications for Energy Technology. The company has a more than 30-year history as a successful developer, manufacturer and marketer of superconducting materials, high-field magnets, medical systems and components and other specialized high value-added devices.
ABOUT W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Founded in 1958, W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. has parlayed its unique technical capabilities into hundreds of diverse products and is world-renowned for its expertise in configuring the remarkably versatile polymer PTFE. This has resulted in numerous products for electronic signal transmission; fabric laminates; medical implants; as well as membrane, filtration, sealant, and fiber technologies for diverse industries. With $1B+ global sales and approximately 6,000 associates in 45 locations around the world, Gore is one of the '100 Best Companies to Work for in America.' For further information, please visit Gore's Web site at http://www.gore.com/electronics.
GORE is a trademark of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.