TUPELO, MS - February 20, 2006 - Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi (CANM) announced today that it has acquired a new state-of-the-art CT imaging system from G.E. Healthcare. The 64-Slice LightSpeed VCT is the world’s first Volume Computed Tomography (VCT) system. With it, CANM brings a new era in imaging to north Mississippi by offering this innovative way for its doctors to obtain the information they need to diagnose cardiovascular disease.

Now physicians are able to capture images of a beating heart in just five heartbeats, something no other CT system can offer. “Our new Volume CT system allows our physicians to perform new and enhanced procedures such as CT angiography and obtain the information they need to diagnose patients who are suffering from chest pain,” said CANM administrator Eddie Barber. “The physicians at CANM have a new tool to help them diagnose cardiovascular disease for their cardiac patients.”

Because of the LightSpeed VCT’s unique capabilities, a new and enhanced medical CT procedure can be offered at CANM:

5-Beat Cardiac™ - The physicians at CANM can capture images of the whole heart and coronary arteries in just five heartbeats – providing clearer images of cardiovascular anatomy and a shorter breath-hold for sick and elderly patients.

In a single rotation, the Volume CT system creates 64 high-resolution anatomical images as thin as a credit card. These images are combined to form a three-dimensional view of the patient’s anatomy for the physicians at CANM to analyze. From these images, physicians can view such things as blockages in the coronary arteries, as well as the motion and pumping action of a patient’s heart.

“We’re breaking barriers in speed and accuracy of patient exams and are now able to offer new and enhanced diagnostic procedures thanks to our new LightSpeed VCT,” stated Barber. “The technology is greatly benefiting both our physicians and patients of north Mississippi. We’re excited to be one of the first to offer this medical innovation in the area.”

Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi operates a network of clinics covering much of northeast Mississippi. This makes possible greater access to care for a general populace recognized to be well above national averages for obesity, diabetes and lack of exercise, which are leading contributors to heart problems. CANM is headquartered in Tupelo, operates outpatient facilities in Tupelo, Columbus, Starkville and Oxford, and employs a staff of more than 100, including 17 cardiologists.