Viking Systems Inc. (OTC:VKNG) appointed academic and surgeon Dr. Gerald Andriole as medical advisor.

Adriole, urologic surgery division chief at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, will advise the Westborough, Mass.-based company on optimizing the role of its 3D visualization system for laparoscopic surgical procedures, according to the company. He has used Viking’s EndoSite 3Di digital vision system for the past four years.

Andriole and Viking are planning academic and clinical studies aimed at investigating laparoscopic surgery training in 3D and how 3D visualization can make complex surgical procedures safer, according to a press release.

The company last week announced 510(k) clearance from the Food & Drug Administration for its next-generation 3DHD visualization system.