Siemens Digital Radiography Innovation with Wireless Detector Receives FDA Clearance

Ysio Combines Integrated and Wireless Mobile Detector Technology into One Flexible Solution

Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare) has received FDA 510(k) market clearance for the Ysio™, a new generation digital radiography system with a wireless detector (wi-D™) for maximum positioning flexibility.

Offering one digital radiography (DR) solution for virtually all clinical demands of the growing digital radiography market, the Ysio can be customized to suit the patient’s needs – such as one or two detectors, with or without a patient table, and with fully automated or synchronized movements. Due to its versatility, the Ysio serves radiography needs no matter what the imaging volume, protocols, or patient profiles, and its performance features geared toward short examination times make it an ideal system for increasing daily patient throughput.

Ysio is available in a variety of configurations based on customers imaging needs: as a wall stand with an integrated detector, a wall stand and table system with a wireless detector, or even as a mixed detector solution for high throughput and flexibility.

“Ysio ushers in a new age of DR systems that are easy to use, easy to learn, and easy on the patient,” said Claus Grill, vice president, Angiography, Cardiac, and X-ray Systems, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. “The solution lightens user workload by simplifying today’s radiographic routine and can be configured to the needs of customers with its wireless detector and intuitive control via an interactive color touch screen. For patients, Ysio offers convenience, as well as faster and less stressful exams when patient mobility is an issue.”

Enhanced Workflow
Ysio serves as an integrated command center where users can control their workflow from registration to image data management with features like more than 500 automated system positions*; power-assisted movements*; a unique table design, together with the wi-D; and a color touch screen panel for convenient system utilization.

With more than 500 different preset examination positions, Ysio can save preparation time and effort. Simply pressing a button on the wireless remote will automatically move the X-ray tube into position. The system can be configured to bypass room fixtures during its automated travel to the imaging position. Thus, Ysio is also a tailored solution in terms of space planning. Power-assisted servo movements help to further reduce the strain of heavy workloads while the collimation can be adjusted from anywhere in the room via remote control.

Ysio’s ergonomic table design caters to the full spectrum of patient profiles from pediatrics and bariatrics, offering a 660-pound weight capacity and a low table height of 21 inches for convenient positioning when shifting sick or elderly patients from wheelchair to table.

The wi-D handles like a cassette and can be removed from the table and placed directly underneath or next to the patient for exposures that are difficult or impossible to take using a fixed detector. For instance, patients with restricted mobility can be X-rayed without having to leave a wheelchair.

Ysio also offers MaxTouch, an interactive, color touch screen user interface, which supports easy access to key technical factors during examinations. MaxTouch clearly displays easily recognizable icons for speed, accuracy, and access to a comprehensive range of options for adjustment.

“Central Baptist is proud to be chosen by Siemens as the first U.S. installation site for the Ysio as it supports our vision of being an innovator in the delivery of imaging services,” said Bill Broaddus, Directory of Radiology, Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington, Ky. “Ysio’s flexible combination of the system’s wi-D and touch-screen user interface will greatly simplify our workflow enabling us to improve clinical outcomes without sacrificing patient care.”

Imaging Excellence
As a digital radiography solution, Ysio delivers pristine image quality with high-resolution images available within seconds of acquisition. Images acquired with the wi-D can be previewed in as little as five seconds without the need to change or process cassettes.

With a detector matrix of more than 7 million pixels and a pixel size of 144 µm, the wi-D of Ysio delivers exceptional images with high-contrast resolution within seconds (as a comparison to its minute size, one µm – or micron – would be virtually undetectable if it were to be placed on the head of a pin). And since the detector is situated close to the patient, there are virtually no distortions.

With DiamondView Plus, a post-processing function that optimizes image quality, the detail resolution of images is given a final polish of contrast enhancement and noise reduction. And Ysio’s comprehensive CARE radiation reduction program combines various advanced radiation reduction functions designed to keep exposure levels as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care – from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €9.85 billion, orders of €10.27 billion, and group profit of €1.32 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare.

(*For fully automated Ysio only)