Digirad Corporation Developing New Cardiac Imaging System With Distortion Correction

Digirad Corporation Developing New Cardiac Imaging System With Distortion
Correction
Initial Clinical Trials Indicate Higher-Quality Scans in Shorter Time With
Negligible Radiation Dose

POWAY, Calif., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Digirad Corporation
(Nasdaq: DRAD), a leading provider of medical diagnostic imaging systems and
services to physicians' offices, hospitals and imaging centers, today
announced the initial clinical trial of a new imaging system incorporating new
proprietary technology to correct attenuation, or image distortion, an
inherent issue in cardiac SPECT imaging.
Cardiac SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) -- also called
myocardial perfusion imaging -- is a non-invasive test to assess the heart's
structure and function. Small amounts of radioactive substances are injected
into the patient's vein, and special cameras produce images of the heart.
These SPECT images are used to identify blockages in coronary arteries,
determine whether a patient has had a heart attack, evaluate risk of a heart
attack, and assess a patient's condition after bypass surgery or angioplasty.
According to Senior Vice President of Technology Richard Conwell,
attenuation is the most significant issue in cardiac SPECT. There are
alternative solutions that attempt to address this problem, but they involve
tradeoffs, such as "noisy" images, truncated scans, lengthy procedures with
risk of excess movement by patients, or higher levels of radiation dosage.
Chief Executive Officer Mark Casner commented: "Research and development
was based on our Cardius 3 triple-head SPECT camera, and feedback from initial
clinical trials at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is
promising, compared to other SPECT systems at competitive price points. We are
seeing improvement in imaging clarity and accuracy, more rapid imaging, and a
significant reduction in radiation dosage. In addition, we may be able to
eliminate the need for isotope replacement resulting in lower operational
costs."
Casner said that the new system, Cardius X-ACT(TM), will be exhibited at
the 2008 Annual Scientific Session of the American Society of Nuclear
Cardiology (ASNC) to be held on September 10-14, 2008, at the John B. Hynes
Convention Center in Boston.
In coordination with ASNC events, Digirad will host a luncheon symposium
on September 13, from noon to 1:30 p.m., that will be moderated by Jamshid
Maddahi M.D., F.A.C.C. and will include recent advances in solid-state
detectors, rapid SPECT imaging, x-ray attenuation correction (VCT), and
multi-center trial results of rapid imaging.
In addition to the initial study at UCLA, Casner said that two other
clinical studies are planned. The new Cardius X-ACT system is expected to be
available for sale sometime in mid-2009 pending required regulatory approvals.
About Digirad
Digirad Corporation provides diagnostic nuclear and ultrasound imaging
systems and services to physicians' offices, hospitals and other medical
services providers for cardiac, vascular, and general imaging applications.
Digirad's Cardius XPO line of nuclear imaging cameras use patented solid-state
technology and unique multi (dual, triple) head design for superior
performance and advanced features for sharper digital images, faster
processing, compact size, lighter weight for portability, ability to handle
patients up to 500 pounds, and improved patient comfort compared to standard
nuclear cameras. Digirad's 2020tc general-purpose nuclear imager has a small
footprint and may also be configured for fixed or mobile use to supplement
primary imaging. Digirad's installed base of equipment exceeds 550 systems; in
addition, a mobile fleet of 164 nuclear and ultrasound imaging systems is
being used in 22 states and the District of Columbia, primarily in the
eastern, midwestern and southwestern United States. For more information,
please visit http://www.digirad.com. Digirad(R), Digirad Imaging Solutions(R),
and Cardius(R) are registered trademarks of Digirad Corporation.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not a description of historical
facts are forward looking statements. You can identify these statements by the
fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and use
words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan,"
"believe" and other words and terms of similar meaning. Examples of such
forward looking statements include statements regarding continuing research
and development, competitive factors, expected improvements in performance,
timeline for entering and completing clinical trials, and timeline for
new-product availability. Actual performance and benefits results may differ
materially from those set forth in this press release due to risks and
uncertainties inherent in Digirad's business including, without limitation,
changes in business conditions, technology, customers' business conditions,
work force, suppliers, business prospects, economic outlook, operational
policy or structure, acceptance and use of Digirad's camera systems and
services, reliability, recalls, and other risks detailed in Digirad's filings
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including Annual Report on
Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Form 8-K and other reports. Readers
are cautioned to not place undue reliance on these forward looking statements,
which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward looking statements are
qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Digirad
undertakes no obligation to revise or update the forward looking statements
contained herein.
Investor Contact: Company Contact:
Dan Matsui Todd Clyde, CFO
Allen & Caron 858-726-1600
949-474-4300 ir@digirad.com

SOURCE Digirad Corporation

Investors, Dan Matsui of Allen & Caron, +1-949-474-4300, for Digirad
Corporation; or Todd Clyde, CFO of Digirad Corporation, +1-858-726-1600,
ir@digirad.com