1/2003

MOVING ULTRASOUND INTO THE FOURTH DIMENSION

HERE’S AN IDEA that could increase diagnostic accuracy. New “4D” technology generates images of the insides of a patient in three dimensions, with realtime motion.

The fourSight 4D imaging technology lets physicians and parents watch the fetus kicking its legs, shifting positions, even sucking its thumb. It may also help doctors spot spina bifida, a cleft palate or other abnormalities, and it can give them a better understanding of multiple pregnancies. In addition to use in obstetrics and gynecology, fourSight imaging might prove valuable in abdominal and vascular imaging, providing doctors with extra dimensions that were difficult to acquire in the past.

This technology, designed by the Siemens Ultrasound Division and Siemens Corporate Research specifically for the Siemens SONOLINE Antares ultrasound system, is expected to be easy for medical personnel to learn and use, with a unique user interface and operating software that will facilitate training.

SIEMENS INTRODUCES DEDICATED CARDIAC GAMMA CAMERA SYSTEM

WITH THE NEW c.cam Gamma Camera, Siemens creates new angles in cardiology diagnosis. The c.cam is a compact system that can fit into a variety of environments, including hospital and cardiology offices, which makes it well suited for any department, especially outpatient offices where space is limited. The c.cam’s myocardial viability and perfusion capabilities offer cardiologists increased diagnostic confidence and the system’s fully integrated syngo-based nuclear medicine software e.soft allows analysis of ejection fraction and wall motion.

Unique to the c.cam is a reclining chair that will provide increased patient comfort – thus delivering improved image quality. Patients can sit back comfortably in the chair throughout the imaging procedure, decreasing their fidgeting or movement. This reduces the presence of motion artefacts and improves image quality.

AXIOM MULTIX GOES DIGITAL

THE RADIOGRAPHY SYSTEM AXIOM Multix M is now available with flat detector technology. It is a multi-purpose system – designed especially for the clinical routine aimed at significantly streamlining operations and patient flow.

AXIOM Multix M covers the full spectrum of applications from skeletal to thorax, pediatric to orthopedic exposures, both on and off the table as well as on the wall stand, combined with the latest digital imaging technology. The portable flat detector is centered upon insertion, allowing for both landscape and portrait format positioning. The look and feel is similar to the known film-based Bucky system but for one difference: thanks to the digital imaging technology, there is no need to change cassettes after every exposure and an unlimited number of exposures can be made in succession.

Comprising a high-performance PC, touch screen monitor and keyboard, the AXIOM Multix M imaging workstation offers full access to hospital networks such as HIS, RIS, PACS as well as other archiving systems.

2,000TH SOMATOM EMOTION 6 CT SCANNER DEBUTS IN TEXAS

THE RECENT INSTALLATION of the 2,000th SOMATOM Emotion 6 scanner at the distinguished Collom & Carney Clinic (CCC) in Texarkana, Texas, exemplifies why Siemens CT systems are the recognized leaders in this life-saving technology. The SOMATOM Emotion 6 provides high image quality at a favorable price-performance ratio.

“Our technicians report that the system is operating ‘beautifully’, so we are very pleased with our choice,” states the CEO of CCC Tom Simmons. Adds Dr. Charles Borrell, CCC radiologist: “I especially like its high image quality and excellent workflow – its speed has expanded our patient throughput by at least 50 percent.”

The 6-slice CT is also welcome by patients since it enables shorter breath holds and faster exams.

PROCAM Calculator

plus examination support treatment of coronary events

In collaboration with the International Task Force for Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease, Siemens supports a refined method for the assessment of a patient’s risk for coronary heart disease, which was presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in New Orleans, USA. It consists of the combined use of the Prospective Cardiovascular Muenster (PROCAM) Calculator and a multi-slice CT examination of the heart to identify individuals at high risk for a future coronary event according to their PROCAM score.
Scientists led by Gerd Assmann, M.D., at the Institute of Arteriosclerosis research in Muenster, Germany, have developed a simple point-scoring scheme that virtually any physician can use to accurately assess his or her patient’s risk of suffering a coronary event in a simple calculation. Recent studies at the University of Muenster have shown that CT-examinations of persons at high risk of a coronary event according to the PROCAM score demonstrate calcified and non-calcified lesions in the coronary arteries in more than 80 percent of cases.

Physicians interested in the latest scientific research on the combined use of both methods of risk assessment can order their copy of “Combined Use of Multislice CT and the PROCAM Calculator for Stratification of Risk of Myocardial Infarction” prepared in cooperation with the International Task Force for Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease, plus a CD with the PROCAM Calculator and the PROCAM Pocket Guide via email: CTMailCenter@siemens.com, Subject "PROCAM"

Maximize efficiency in your OR –

Siemens introduces the first syngo-speaking C-arm system with continuous 1K² imaging chain

ARCADIS Varic – the new system belonging to the Siemens mobile C-arm generation marks the start of a new era in the OR.
The advantages of ARCDIS Varic are numerous: syngo, the intuitive user surface for nearly all imaging systems by Siemens, provides the new system with uniform operating and image post-processing tools. ARCADIS Varic enables the user to load patient data and even images of other modalities such as CT or MR and view them directly on-screen. In addition, the new mobile C-arm is equipped with a continuous 1K² imaging chain from image acquisition to viewing and archiving.

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MAMMOMAT Balance –

first class patient care for all hospital’s portfolios

Precise diagnosis by the physician is supported by a special X-ray tube as well as Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) in combination with a molybdenum filter. Depending on clinical requirements, up to 16 film/screen combinations can be selected via a push of a button. The extensive accessories for the system offer magnifying glasses as well as different object tables with alternating line grids that round off the equipment.
Designed for the Asiatic, Latin-American and East European market, the new analog mammography system Mammomat Balance combines high quality characteristics with cost-effectiveness.

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New biograph PET/CT family

increase volumetric resolution by 250 percent

The new biograph PET/CT family of Siemens incorporates an unmatched range of performance options to enhance image quality, resolution and throughput, as well as new IT solutions for multi-modality integration. Key new features include an high resolution PET option, an image quality enhancement, a six-slice CT biograph companion to existing two- and 16-slice configurations and further integration into the Siemens LEONARDO postprocessing IT workplace.
The technological advancements available with the biograph family are built upon the platform’s ultra-fast Lutetium Oxyorthosilicate (LSO) crystal technology. The LSO-based biograph systems are now available with new HI-REZ technology which offers optimum resolution for better image definition. HI-REZ, supported by a new LSO crystal, can provide more that 250 percent improvement in volumetric image resolution.

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