Siemens SOMATOM Definition Flash CT Wins Best New Radiology Device Award

Malvern, Pa., Nov. 13, 2009 – Siemens Heathcare’s SOMATOM Definition Flash CT scanner has recently been honored by AuntMinnie.com with the 2009 “Best New Radiology Device” Minnie Award. Now in its 10th year, the Minnies is an annual event recognizing excellence in radiology and hosted by AuntMinnie.com. Minnies candidates were nominated by AuntMinnie.com members in September. Semifinalists and finalists are then selected through a vote by AuntMinnie’s expert panel of radiology professionals.

With the SOMATOM Definition Flash, Siemens Healthcare introduced a CT scanner that will set new standards regarding speed and dose reduction. This system requires only a fraction of the radiation dose that systems previously required to scan even the tiniest anatomical details faster than ever before. The SOMATOM Definition Flash is a dual-source CT from Siemens, featuring two X-ray tubes that simultaneously revolve around the patient’s body. The fastest scanning speed in CT (i.e., 43 cm/s) and a temporal resolution of 75 ms, enable, for example, complete scans of the entire chest region in just 0.6 seconds. Thus, patients are no longer required to hold their breath during the exam the way they had in the past. It also eliminates the need for sedation in pediatric imaging.At the same time, the scanner operates at an extremely reduced radiation dose. For example, a spiral heart scan can be performed with less than 1 millisievert (mSv), whereas the average effective dose required for this purpose usually ranges from 8 mSv to 40 mSv.

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.