Sony Teams Up With FONAR To Deliver "Upright" MRI Solutions

The Sony FilmStation System’s Vertical Install Capability Complements the FONAR Upright MRI System

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 28, 2005 - Sony Electronics has enlisted MRI developer and manufacturer FONAR Corporation to become a reseller for the Sony FilmStation™ 14 x 17-inch dry film imager. As a result, FONAR for the first time will have a film imager it intends to offer to its customers.

“FONAR’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of MRI scanners enhances the reputation of Sony FilmStation as the dry film imager of choice among medical professionals, said Steven Blum, vice president for medical systems at Sony Electronics.”

The agreement expands FONAR’s product portfolio, enabling the company to provide an output solution with its MRI systems, such as the flagship Upright™ MRI.

FONAR Upright MRI

The Upright MRI is billed by FONAR as the world’s first truly “open” MRI, allowing patients to walk in, sit or stand during scans, while providing them with an unobstructed view. For added flexibility, FONAR also said it is the only whole-body MRI that performs Position™ imaging where patients can be scanned in various positions of flexion, extension, rotation and lateral bending as well as the conventional lie-down position.

The Upright MRI’s vertical disposition makes it compatible with the Sony FilmStation.

“We are very pleased to team up with Sony, a leader in the medical imaging market,” said Dr. Raymond V. Damadian, president and founder of FONAR. “In evaluating the various imager solutions on the market, we selected the Sony FilmStation system due to its reputation for quality, reliability, versatility and value.”

Sony FilmStation Dry Film Imager

The Sony FilmStation 14 x 17-inch dry film imager is the only imager of its kind that can be installed either in the upright vertical position or horizontally. It outputs film in less than one minute, and when connected with another FilmStation imager it prints up to 130 films per hour. The FilmStation system features high-resolution 320-dpi thermal head technology and automatic calibration for high-image quality.

“The Sony FilmStation imager’s upright install capability and compact footprint render it a perfect match for FONAR’s Upright MRI, allowing the pair easy integration into radiology environments where space is a premium and flexibility is critical,” Blum said.

# # #

Sony Electronics Inc. is a leading provider of innovative medical products that are designed for use in a wide range of applications as stand-alone hardware or for incorporation into integrated medical systems. Medical imaging offerings include dry film imagers, printers and medical grade monitors for a full range of modalities. For more information call 1-800-535-SONY or visit www.sony.com/medical.

FONAR, incorporated in 1978, is a leading MRI manufacturer. Its product line includes the Upright™ MRI (also known as the Stand-Up™ MRI) and the new FONAR 360™ MRI scanner, a room-size recumbent scanner that optimizes openness while facilitating physician access to the patient. FONAR is headquartered on Long Island, N.Y., and has approximately 500 employees. Additional information may be found on the FONAR web site at www.fonar.com.

Contact Information

Chavonne Jones

Sony Electronics Inc.

Contact via E-mail