Two agreements advance distribution of SonoSite's iLook

Compact ultrasound provider SonoSite Inc. and Nippon Sherwood Medical Industries Ltd., a division of Tyco Healthcare Japan Inc. of Tokyo, have inked a two-year distribution agreement making Nippon Sherwood the exclusive distributor of SonoSite's iLook 25 system for the vascular access market in Japan.

The digital ultrasound system weighs 3 pounds and is specifically designed to provide fast, accurate guidance for vascular access. The alliance will help deliver the iLook 25 system to catheterization labs, surgical suites, critical care units and other point-of-care locations where catheters and lines for vascular access are placed.

In related news, SonoSite this week entered into a multi-year agreement with Boston Scientific Corp. under which Boston Scientific's Oncology Division will serve as the exclusive distributor of SonoSite's iLook 15 and iLook 25 for select U.S. vascular access and interventional markets.

The agreement covers U.S. distribution of the hand-carried ultrasound systems for the guidance of medical procedures such as placement of intravenous catheters, ports and other long-dwelling implants for interventional radiology, nephrology, oncology and general/vascular surgery applications.

SonoSite said it expects Boston Scientific to begin distribution later in the third quarter upon completion of transfer of sub-distribution rights pursuant to SonoSite's contracts with hospital purchasing organizations. In addition, SonoSite said the agreement extends through 2008 with the option for renewal.

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