Bay Radiology Women's Imaging Center First to Offer the Aurora Breast MRI System's Advanced Diagnostic Technology in Florida.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. -- Aurora Imaging Technology Inc. today announced that the Aurora([R]) 1.5Tesla Dedicated Breast MRI System is immediately available for the first time to Floridians at the Bay Radiology Women's Imaging Center in Panama City, Fla. The Aurora System is the first and only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared breast MRI system specifically designed for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast disease.

According to the Florida Annual Cancer Report, the percentage of advanced stage breast cancer has steadily decreased since 1981 in Florida, and early cancer detection through breast cancer screening and physical examination has contributed to this decline. However, breast cancer accounts for almost 30 percent of all cancer diagnoses in Florida women and is the second leading cause of female cancer mortality in the state.

"There was a big demand for a more efficient breast cancer screening in Bay County and we chose the Aurora System to answer this call," said James Strohmenger, M.D., chief executive officer and radiologist, Bay Radiology. "The Aurora System provides advanced imaging capabilities and catches lesions that may not be spotted on other imaging modalities or clinical exam. We are proud to offer patients the Aurora System's cutting-edge technology to enhance the medical care of our community."

The Aurora System was designed with a woman's anatomy in mind, which is evidenced by the contoured table design and the large homogeneous elliptical field of view unique to the Aurora System. In addition, it offers a computer-automated and fully integrated MR-guided biopsy technology which virtually eliminates human error and accurately determines needle placement. These advancements are only a fraction of the Aurora System's capabilities, all of which deliver increased patient comfort and a more efficient medical practice for breast health centers.

"The Aurora System's unique MRI technology provides one of the most advanced breast imaging tools available, because it is exclusively designed to aid in the fight against breast disease," said Olivia Ho Cheng, president and chief executive officer, Aurora Imaging Technology Inc. "The Aurora System is well-positioned to help conquer this battle, and proudly partners with breast health facilities, like Bay Radiology, seeking to offer the most effective instrument to improve breast cancer statistics and patient care."