WARSAW, Ind., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZMH) announced today it has entered into an agreement with Merge eFilm (Nasdaq: MRGE), a medical image and information management solutions provider, to include Zimmer implant templates in the eFilm Workstation. Zimmer implant templates assist orthopaedic surgeons in pre-operative planning for artificial joint replacements.
The eFilm Workstation is a software-based system used throughout the world to view and manipulate digital medical images, supporting a filmless environment. eFilm Workstation allows the surgeons to access the patient's medical images digitally, and to utilize image manipulation tools and the Zimmer templates for surgical preplanning without use of traditional films and acetate templates.
"Zimmer is committed to identifying and offering tools that help our customers focus their time and energy on providing the best care for their patients," said Zimmer Chairman, President and CEO Raymond Elliott. "This agreement with Merge eFilm, coupled with our partnership with Alteer Office, enables us to present to the orthopaedic surgeons a complete paperless, filmless solution that puts both clinical and administrative information at their fingertips electronically."
Zimmer signed an agreement in November 2001 with Alteer Corporation to offer its customers Alteer Office, a comprehensive system that integrates administrative, clinical and financial functions in one integrated, internet- based product
"The combined offering will streamline workflow and provide seamless access to electronic patient charts and digital images," said Adam Harris, M.D., San Antonio Orthopaedic Services, San Antonio, TX, a joint Zimmer, Alteer and Merge eFilm customer. "This allows me to be responsive to patient needs with on-demand access to clinical information and diagnostic quality images as needed."
"We are extremely pleased to partner with Alteer and Zimmer to bring this comprehensive solution to the orthopaedic market," said David Noshay, Vice President of Business Development for Merge eFilm. "We are proud to be a part of bringing a whole new workflow efficiency and clinical effectiveness to the orthopaedic practice."
Zimmer account executives will be responsible for introducing orthopaedic surgeons to the product, while Merge eFilm will be responsible for installations, training and technical support. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Zimmer, based in Warsaw, Indiana, is a global leader in the design, development, manufacture and marketing of reconstructive orthopaedic implants and fracture management products. Orthopaedic reconstruction implants restore joint function lost due to disease or trauma in joints such as knees, hips, shoulders and elbows. Fracture management products are devices used primarily to reattach or stabilize damaged bone and tissue to support the body's natural healing process. Zimmer also manufactures and markets other products related to orthopaedic and general surgery. For the year 2001, Zimmer recorded worldwide revenues of approximately $1.2 billion. Zimmer was founded in 1927 and has more than 3,500 employees worldwide.