The latest innovations in fluoroscopy, interventional radiology, and digital radiography highlighted at RSNA 2008
MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare) covers the entire spectrum of radiology, from fluoroscopy and digital radiography to interventional radiology, at the 94th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) from November 30 to December 5 at McCormick Place (Booth #922, East Building/Lakeside Center, Hall D) in Chicago.
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According to the American Stroke Association, It is estimated that about 780,000 Americans each year suffer a new or recurrent stroke, and that Americans will pay about $65.5 billion in 2008 for stroke-related medical costs and disability. Add to that equation the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s report that 67 percent of Americans (200 million) are overweight or obese - a doubling since 1980 - and the need for increased throughput and reduced costs in diagnosing and treating these diseases becomes a top priority for healthcare providers through the United States. Siemens portfolio of innovations in fluoroscopy, interventional radiology, and digital radiography addresses these and other issues and provides optimal patient comfort from the smallest to the largest and the youngest to the oldest patients.
AXIOM Luminos dRF: Innovations on the Move
At RSNA, Siemens will introduce three new components to the AXIOM Luminos dRF, a fully-digital 2-in-1 solution with dynamic flat detector for remote controlled fluoroscopy and digital radiography that helps future-proof customers’ investment. The new functionality, represented in product simulations, includes the first-to-market wireless detector, a ceiling-mounted X-ray tube, and new wall stand. In combination, these enhancements increase the range of examinations the system can support.
The wireless detector provides the pinnacle in imaging excellence by bringing the speed and efficiency of a flat detector to the same coverage area as a 35 cm x 43 cm (14-inch x 17-inch) cassette so users can freely perform exposures anywhere in the room. Images are available within five seconds.
The new ceiling-mounted X-ray tube enhances workflow with a color touch screen user interface, on the tube housing, where users can control the system without having to leave the patient’s side to save time and dose. For example, based on the unique needs of the individual patient, users can select the optimal configuration for an exam such as free exposure with wireless detector instead of the wall stand or table exposure. Based on the technologist’s expertise, the touch screen offers users the ability to tailor organ programs to the specific patient thereby reducing dose
To further enhance the 2-in-1 functionality of the AXIOM Luminos dRF in radiographic applications, a new wall stand for the wireless detector will be introduced at RSNA. This wall stand is innovative in that it combines the wireless detector with classical operating features such as synchronized movement, portrait or landscape selection, and left- or right-hand detector access. In combination, these features bring time savings, flexibility, and support for an increased range of clinical exams covering a broader range of patient needs.
The AXIOM Luminos dRF with wireless detector is a fully integrated system with intuitive user interface and complete process management from registration to image data management - all on a single integrated console. Streamlining clinical workflow in this way helps improve patient satisfaction and throughput as well as reduce costs.
Continued Enhancements to the Artis zee Family
At this year’s conference, Siemens highlights its Artis zee(R) family of systems, featuring an enhanced imaging chain - spanning image acquisition to image processing and documentation - that delivers sharply detailed images required for interventional procedures, enhances clarity in 2D imaging, and enables an array of 3D imaging applications to help enhance clinical decision-making.
New to the Artis zee family is syngo(R) iFlow(1). Similar to the revolutionary transition from black and white television to color, syngo iFlow for the first time shows dynamic information using color in a single image for assessment. The color-flow enhances neurological post-therapeutic interventions for rapid evaluation of remaining abnormalities by comparing pre- and post- imaging sequences. Additionally, attending or referring physicians can benefit from syngo iFlow information by using the image as a color snapshot to explain treatment and next steps to the patient.
“To address the increased incidence of stroke, syngo iFlow is reinventing digital subtraction angiography (DSA) by enabling display in color,” said Claus Grill, vice president, Angiography, Cardiac, and X-ray Systems, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. “For example, syngo iFlow can improve both the pre- and post-procedural imaging of a patient being treated with stenosis of the leg. Pre-procedurally, users can more readily identify flow variations such as increased use of collateral circulation because the color draws the eye to the abnormality faster. Post-procedurally, successful balloon dilation or stent placement of the stenosis with improved flow is evident.”
To deliver the discrete image, syngo iFlow maximizes opacification of each pixel with a time from injection, which is then represented by a color to show the history of the contrast medium movement through the vessels. Time of Transfer and full vessel tree visualization are also available.
Another new feature of the Artis zee is the first-to-market, medical grade large display(1), which provides a 56-inch active, full-color widescreen that magnifies images without loss of detail and an 8 mega pixel panel (4 x HD resolution) for viewing the finest detail during procedures. With a minimum resolution of 3840 pixels x 2160 pixels, the large display can integrate all of customers’ imaging sources into one, offering 21 inputs with 12 pre-sets, more than 200 layout possibilities, and support for up to 10 windows shown, simultaneously all of which can be altered as required.
The Artis zee family is available in a variety of configurations from ceiling-mounted to biplane to the first-to-market Artis zeego with robotic-assisted positioning capability for interventions in both radiology and the developing OR environment. Artis zeego’s unique flexibility of movement supports large-volume syngo DynaCT, increased operator comfort during long and complex procedures, and unique parking positions to maximize the use of room space.
Ysio: One Flexible Solution
Siemens will also highlight the recently FDA-cleared Ysio, which ushers in a new age of digital radiography systems that are easy to use, easy to learn, and easy on the patient. Combining integrated and wireless mobile detector technology into one flexible solution, Ysio supports virtually all clinical demands no matter what the imaging volume, protocols, or patient profiles and helps increase daily patient throughput with features geared toward shorter exam times. The system’s wireless detector 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.
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 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(2); power-assisted movements(2); and a unique table design for convenient system utilization.
To save time and effort, the system offers more than 500 preset organ programs, which automatically moves the X-ray tube into position with the simple push of a button on the wireless remote. The interactive color touch screen supports easy access to key technical factors during examinations and clearly displays easily recognizable icons for speed, accuracy, and access to a comprehensive range of options for adjustment.
Patients can experience convenient, faster and less stressful exams, especially when mobility is an issue because Ysio offers a 660-lb. table weight capacity and 21-in. table height. The system’s ergonomic design is ideal when shifting sick or elderly patients from wheelchair to table.
(1)The information about this product is being provided for planning purposes. The product requires 510(k) review and is not yet commercially available in the U.S.
(2)For fully automated Ysio only
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 euro 11.2 billion, orders of euro 11.8 billion, and Sector profit of euro 1.2 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare.
CONTACT: Media, Tom Schaffner of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.,
+1-610-448-1477, thomas.schaffner@siemens.com
Web site: http://www.siemens.com/healthcare/
