Siemens Medical Solutions’ Ultrasound Division introduced the High Performance Imaging release for their ACUSON Sequoia™ echocardiography platform at the 56th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology (ACC booth #2733).
The release adds two new transducers to the system: the 9L4 Multi-D and the 17L5 HD. Multi-D™ array transducer technology provides uniform elevation focusing for improved contrast and spatial resolution. The 17L5 HD transducer dramatically improves the vascular image detail, as well as overall resolution in imaging of the breast, small parts and complex masses. Its patent-pending ergonomic design allows users to easily grip the transducer in their palm, reducing hand strain while scanning.
The ACUSON Sequoia High Performance Imaging release also includes Advanced SieClear™ spatial compounding with Dynamic TCE™ tissue contrast enhancement. Spatial compounding reduces acoustic noise by generating several frames of data with independent information and averaging those frames with the help of speckle patterns. It provides better detail and contrast resolution through more precise anatomical border definition, notably the carotid intima-media boundary.
New to the Sequoia system is a high-definition 19-inch flat panel display with articulating arm that provides optimal positioning in all scanning environments and improves the ergonomic design of the system.
New Applications On and Off the Ultrasound System
Also exhibited at the ACC, Siemens released syngo® US Workplace, version 2.0. This release brings two new applications to the comprehensive dynamic risk assessment and quantification tools found in syngo US Workplace: syngo Arterial Health Package (AHP)* and syngo Mitral Valve Assessment (MVA). These applications are also available as part of the Sequoia 12.0 release. They supplement the already-available syngo applications such as Velocity Vector Imaging™ (VVI), Auto Ejection Fraction (EF), Quantitative Synch Tool (QST), Auto-Tracking Contrast Quantification (ACQ) and fourSight TEE™ Transesophageal Echocardiography view applications.
The new syngo Arterial Health Package combines semi-automated measurement of carotid intima-media thickness, Framingham risk factors, and relative vascular age to deliver a predictive cardiovascular risk assessment. In combination with the 9L4 Multi-D transducer, syngo AHP helps physicians estimate the extent of atherosclerotic disease in its early stages. This optimizes proactive treatment and preventative care and helps provide meaningful early intervention for patients.
In the perioperative setting, the new syngo Mitral Valve Assessment (MVA) provides detailed visualization and comprehensive mapping of mitral valve anatomy and blood flow. It is an ideal compliment to syngo fourSight TEE view, which provides detailed 3D display of cardiac structure and function. This combined cardiac imaging solution enhances medical and surgical management and treatment planning.
“The High Performance Imaging release of the Sequoia system demonstrates Siemens’ commitment to its top-selling ultrasound product,” said Klaus Hambuechen, president, Ultrasound Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. “We are also delivering new syngo US Workplace applications to optimize our clinical applications offering in cardiology. These provide unparalleled workflow optimization and are available both at the ultrasound unit as well as on a separate workstation. Thus, we free the ultrasound scanner to conduct high-throughput imaging.”
Hand-held Ultrasound
Siemens Medical Solutions will also be previewing a hand-held ultrasound unit at the ACC. The system is intended primarily for triage and screening applications in acute care settings. In the future, personal imaging tools such as this could improve the standard of care for inpatient monitoring, critical care, outpatient specialty visits and bedside exams.
Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. Recent acquisitions in the area of in-vitro diagnostics – such as Diagnostic Products Corporation and Bayer Diagnostics – mark a significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service diagnostics company. Employing more than 41,000 people worldwide and operating in over 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06 billion EUR for fiscal 2006 (Sept. 30). Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/medical
*not commercially available in the United States
