Germany-based Ziehm Imaging and BrainLAB, makers of medical x-ray imaging products and image-guided systems, announced they are partnering to make Vision Vario 3D and Vision 3D -- Ziehm Imaging's C-arms -- fully compatible with all mobile BrainLAB platforms for 3-D intraoperative imaging. Vision Vario 3D, Vision 3D and BrainLAB CAS (computer-assisted surgery) platforms are designed to assist with medical procedures including spine and trauma, craniomaxillofacial, and neurosurgery. Combining the companies' imaging and navigation systems will give surgeons better orientation in the operating room and enable minimally invasive surgeries with less radiation and higher accuracy, the companies said. The companies previously partnered, in 2002, to develop DICOM-based CAS on 2-D fluoroscopic images. "We see the market for 3-D intraoperative imaging gaining significant momentum. Customer demand clearly indicates the value of an ergonomic combination of imaging and navigation, which leads to reduced radiation, increased precision and ultimately improved outcomes. By cooperating with Ziehm Imaging we are strengthening our position in this market," said Dr. Claus Schaffrath, BrainLAB director, marketing orthopedic solutions.