A Unique, Patented Convertible Ultrasound™ Platform.

SAINT JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL DEBUTS ONE OF AREA’S FIRST CONVERTIBLE ULTRASOUND PLATFORMS AT DARE TO CARE SCREENING

Award-Winning Healthcare Provider Offers Patients World’s First Convertible Ultrasound™ Platform

Atlanta, GA – October 31, 2006 – Saint Joseph’s Hospital, a leading Cardiac and Vascular hospital in the Southeast, announced it recently completed the installation of the z.one ultrasound system from ZONARE Medical Systems, a developer of next-generation ultrasound technology. Debuting the system at the Dare to Care Screening held earlier this month, Saint Joseph’s is among the first healthcare facilities in the Atlanta area to offer the z.one system, which is based on revolutionary Zone Sonography™ technology. This breakthrough technology allows the system to convert from a full-featured, cart-based ultrasound unit into a premium compact system at the touch of a button.

“We are pleased to offer the very latest in medical imaging technology to our vascular patients,” said Patrice Villemure, MS, RVT, director of Cardiac and Vascular Imaging Services at Saint Joseph’s. “Because ZONARE has developed the world’s first Convertible Ultrasound™ system, it is ideal for vascular imaging at a patient’s bedside. Our experience with previous compact ultrasound systems was compromised image quality. This is not the case with our new z.one ulrasound system.”

Zone Sonography technology has allowed ZONARE Medical Systems to bring the first Convertible Ultrasound™ platform to the industry with superb image quality at a substantial price to value ratio. Clinicians are able to instantly convert the z.one platform from a full-featured, cart-based system into a premium compact, ultrasound system with all the performance of substantially larger and more expensive ultrasound units, yet, with greater portability and clinical flexibility than conventional compact systems.

“Not only will this new portable unit provide easier access to our hospital patients but this compact unit will be critical in our goal to screen for vascular disease out in the community,” said Peter H’Doubler, M.D., Vascular Laboratory medical director.

Combining a fundamentally new advance in ultrasound, Zone Sonography technology coupled with the z.one platform’s radically new physical design provides the maximum flexibility offering significant clinical and workflow solutions for a wide variety of customer challenges. The z.one platform’s Zone Sonography software-based architecture ensures that its performance will increase as improvements in processing power become available. This allows for fast, convenient upgrades in clinical capabilities, keeping clinicians at the forefront of diagnostic capabilities as well as protecting their investment. With ZONARE’s latest release, upgrades can now be downloaded via the internet, another industry first.

“With the high volume of patient exams performed in the vascular lab, it is critical to be able to easily and quickly access the patient without cumbersome equipment,” said Nancy Blasingame, RN, RVT, Vascular Lab supervisor for Saint Joseph’s Hospital. “Our physicians and patients rely on us to provide high quality images and accurate information on all patients, regardless of their location. This compact unit will allow high quality imaging studies even in very difficult access areas such as the ICU.”

At Saint Joseph’s Hospital the Vascular Lab staff uses the latest technology to sharpen the focus of diagnostic imaging, providing cost-effective, fast, clear and precise medical images. This technology, combined with the compassion and caring of the vascular lab staff at Saint Joseph’s, provides a healing environment where medical excellence is standard. Saint Joseph’s Hospital’s Vascular Lab is fully accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories and performs a comprehensive list of vascular ultrasound imaging studies.

“Saint Joseph’s is very well known for its state-of-the-art imaging capabilities and outstanding care for patients throughout the Southeast,” said Donald Southard, president and CEO for ZONARE. “The hospital’s implementation of the z.one system with Zone Sonography technology is further evidence of a deep commitment to patient care. We are pleased to be a part of this dedicated team of healthcare professionals.”

About Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1880, Saint Joseph’s facility is Atlanta's oldest hospital. Today, the 410-bed, acute-care facility is recognized as one of the top specialty-referral hospitals in the Southeast. As a leader in cardiac, neurologic, vascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, orthopaedic and cancer care, among others, Saint Joseph’s offers its patients the latest procedures and treatments by providing its medical staff, comprised of more than 750 physicians, with research services and the most advanced technology available. As a result of its medical excellence, compassionate care and cost-effectiveness, Saint Joseph’s has received numerous awards including the distinguished Magnet Recognition for Nursing Excellence from the American Nurses Association Credentialing Center; a HealthGrades rating of "best in Georgia and top five percent in the nation" for cardiac and vascular programs; and Solucient’s list of 100 Top Hospitals in the country for cardiac and orthopaedic care. Saint Joseph's is the only Atlanta hospital named to J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital Program for Service Excellence.

About ZONARE Medical Systems

ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc. designs, develops, and manufactures premium compact performance ultrasound solutions, which combine revolutionary technology with an innovative physical design. Zone Sonography technology, ZONARE’s unique patented approach to ultrasound imaging, is focused on bringing the highest performance to all clinical settings, leading to advanced diagnostic capabilities, more cost effective operation and increased value to providers. For more information, please visit www.zonare.com.

Media Contacts:
Lars Shaw
ZONARE Medical Systems
lshaw@zonare.com
650-230-2787

Lynn Peterson
St. Joseph’s Hospital
lpeterson@sjha.org
404-851-5849