Norland acquires ultrasound technology

Bone densitometry vendor Norland Medical Systems of White Plains,NY, has acquired rights to an ultrasound-based bone measurementsystem through an agreement with Vitel, a Texas company affiliatedwith the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Vitel is developing bone measurement devices using a technologyit has licensed from the university called ultrasound criticalangle reflection (UCR). UCR technology can provide a quantitativeassessment of bone quality, according to Norland, making possiblean independent assessment of both cortical and trabecular bone.

Norland acquired exclusive worldwide rights to all productsdeveloped by Vitel and has agreed to make an equity investmentin Vitel. An ultrasound-based bone densitometry system would complementx-ray-based systems marketed by Norland and its Dove Medical Systemssubsidiary (SCAN 4/10/96).