Kodak picks manager to head cardiac unit

Kodak created a separate business unit in February to supportthe sale of cardiac imaging products. Joseph Barry, a 23-yearKodak veteran, was named general manager of the cardiology businessunit, a part of Kodak's Health Sciences division.

The dominant medical film vendor anticipates continued stronggrowth in cardiac catheterization procedures and demand for relatedimaging products. Formation of a separate business unit was anotherstep in Kodak's long-term strategy to build this business, Barrytold SCAN.

Kodak purchased a cine-radiography film processor line withits acquisition of Jamieson Film last year (SCAN 8/1/90). TheRochester, NY, company now sells cardiac cath film, processingchemicals, processors and other accessory products. Vari-X ofIrvine, CA, is Kodak's largest competitor in the cardiac cathfilm market, Barry said.

The new business unit is responsible for Kodak's worldwidecardiac imaging business. A team of technical specialists is beingbuilt to support the work of dealers and Kodak's x-ray film salesrepresentatives, he said.

Cardiac sales require a distinct marketing and sales effort,however. Fewer than 5% of cardiology labs are part of hospitalx-ray departments, Barry said.

The number of cath labs is growing about 10% to 15% a year.While some of that growth involves digital imaging equipment,cardiac cath procedures continue to rely mainly on film.

BRIEFLY NOTED:

• Medical Imaging Centers of America promoted Allan H. Dantoto president and COO last month. Danto had been president of MICA'sChicago-based fee-for-service subsidiary, MICA Technology Services.

MICA is reorganizing with the intent of improving coordinationof the firm's imaging center and shared-service businesses. NathanKaufman, president of MICA's center operating group, resignedin March (SCAN 4/10/91).

• Ralph J. Patitucci resigned as a director of DiscoveryTechnologies last month and will leave his position as president,effective July 1. The Longmont, CO, teleradiology firm laid offnine of its 22 employees in April due to delays in finalizingits upgraded FilmFax teleradiology system (SCAN 5/8/91).

Patitucci, a former GE Medical executive, is leaving Discoveryfor personal reasons. He may continue as a consultant to the company.