Advanced Knowledge-based Applications for OB/GYN at ACOG 2009

Siemens shows improved diagnostic confidence and clinical workflow on latest edition of the ACUSON X300 ultrasound system, Premium Edition (PE)

Chicago, Ill., May 2, 2009 – Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare) showcases latest ultrasound solutions at the Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), in Chicago, May 2-6, featuring innovative knowledge-based workflow and 4D applications that increase diagnostic confidence and improve clinical workflow. One of the highlights includes syngo® Auto OB measurements, which are an advanced clinical tool that automates routine biometry measurements of the fetus.

“Up until now, users needed to perform biometry measurements manually,” said Klaus Hambuechen, chief executive officer, Ultrasound, Siemens Healthcare. “syngo Auto OB measurements eliminate this time-consuming manual process by saving up to 75 percent of the keystrokes in routine fetal measurements. This may also help to reduce repetitive stress injury (RSI).”

Measurements include the biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), humerus length (HL), and the crown rump length (CRL). The application also addresses the challenges related to user-dependence and variability, as well as consistency and reproducibility in fetal biometry. syngo Auto OB measurements are available exclusively on Siemens’ premium performance ACUSON S2000™ and the ACUSON X300™ PE ultrasound systems.

The Siemens workflow solutions for OB/GYN encompass sophisticated applications that were migrated from the high-end performance S Class into the X Class product series. To complete the solution it offers Advanced fourSight™ volume imaging technology, providing complete 3D/4D capabilities.

Specially dedicated for use on the ACUSON S2000 system, Siemens will also be featuring Fetal Heart STIC (Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation). This application captures data over multiple heart cycles to create a 3D fetal heart volume.

“Obtaining a 3D volume of the fetal heart will allow easy interrogation of the anatomy and may help detect fetal cardiac anomalies more easily during routine obstetrical exams,” said Barbara Del Prince, worldwide market manager for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Siemens Healthcare. “The earlier anomalies are detected and referred to a pediatric specialist, the better the clinical prognosis is for the postnatal infant.” The Advanced fourSight technology package for the ACUSON S2000 system also features Amnioscopic Rendering, a unique surface rendering tool, which provides photo-realistic images of the fetus.

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 around 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2008 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €11.2 billion, orders of €11.8 billion, and Sector profit of €1.2 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare.