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 Medical Solutions 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 Medical Solutions 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.