Press Presse Press Presse Healthcare Sector Imaging & IT Division Erlangen,, March 4, 2010 European Congress of Radiology 2010: Siemens introduces innovations for imaging and diagnostics One of the most important challenges facing hospitals and practices is the optimization of their workflows. An ever increasing amount of data from various modalities must be evaluated in less and less time. Moreover, the quality of patient care should improve and the costs for healthcare should at the same time be cut. Under the motto Images, my way" Siemens Healthcare is presenting at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2010 its latest innovations for imaging and diagnosis designed to meet these requirements. Here are several examples: Syngo.via, a new image management and diagnostic software, supports the physician s diagnostic work with indication-specific workflows and layouts. The client-server concept here provides the required cost effectiveness and openness by departing from the costly workstation philosophy previously used. Another innovation is Syngo.plaza, the first Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) from Siemens, which combines 2D, 3D and 4D diagnostic reporting at a single workstation, thus contributing to the enhanced assessment of images acquired with various modalities. Furthermore, Siemens is also introducing the new magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) systems Magnetom Aera (1.5 Tesla) and Magnetom Skyra (3 Tesla). They combine the innovative Tim (Total imaging matrix) 4G technology and Dot (Day optimizing throughput) engines to increase the productivity of the scanning process by up to 30 percent. Using Syngo.via, examinations can be evaluated more efficiently and information can be utilized for further treatment faster and more conveniently. The new software makes MR applications available in the workflow so that information can be retrieved from any location and shared with clinical partners. Protocol planning can also be performed for the scan via remote access. In this case, all of the information required is transferred to the MRT scanner automatically. Henkestr. 127, 91052 Erlangen, 1 / 8
News The Excel Edition from Siemens: Affordable Performance in 16 and 64 slice computed tomography. At the European Congress of Radiology (ECR ) 2010, Siemens Healthcare will be introducing their Excel Editions for computed tomography. With its favorable price/performance ratio, this new scanner family makes it easier for hospitals and practices throughout the world to enter the world of computed tomography. The Somatom Emotion Excel Edition is based on the Somatom Emotion, a 16-row CT scanner whose qualities have been proven time and time again by a large number of installed systems. The Somatom Definition AS Excel Edition is a affordable version of the highend, 64-slice Somatom Definition AS scanner. It combines the most comprehensive portfolio of dose saving features such as the Adaptive Dose Shield with outstanding clinical performance and highly advanced clinical applications. Both new CT scanners will be available for delivery worldwide as of May 2010. Software as a Service: Siemens provides CAD application for radiography via the Internet Siemens Healthcare is introducing a Software as a Service (SaaS) model for Digital Radiography. syngo CXR CAD Subscription customers with digital radiography systems, such as Ysio and AXIOM Aristos can receive computer-aided detection (CAD) results via remote processing.. The CAD application, which processes radiographs to help doctors detect potential nodules in the lungs, can be subscribed to without adding hardware to the facility. With syngo CXR CAD Subscription, a separate workstation is no longer required to be installed in a clinic or practice, and offsite processing occurs on a Siemens-owned server. Users will have automatic access to syngo CXR CAD Subscription updates. Siemens showcases advanced ultrasound solutions Increased information density, efficient workflow, and intelligent clinical applications take patient care to a new level. At the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2010 in Vienna, Siemens Healthcare presented its innovative ultrasound solutions. The highlight this year was the new release of its premium Acuson S2000 ultrasound system featuring significant advancements in ARFI technology (Acoustic Radiation Force Imaging) for the detection and quantification of tissue. Combined with a 3D breast volume scanner (ABVS), the Acuson S2000 is suited particularly for breast cancer diagnosis in women with dense breast tissue. In addition, Siemens introduced its latest mid-range ultrasound system, the Acuson X300 Premium Edition (PE) for routine clinical examinations. Thanks to ever-improving image Henkestr. 127, 91052 Erlangen, 2 / 8
acquisition, physicians have much greater diagnostic confidence with shorter examination times. New functional imaging for interventional neuroradiology: syngo Neuro PBV IR displays cerebral blood flow during interventional procedures With syngo Neuro PBV IR (Parenchymal Blood Volume, Interventional Suite), Siemens Healthcare has developed a new application for interventional radiology that allows you to review parenchymal blood flow during minimally invasive interventions in the brain for the first time. This feature assists the neuroradiologist in the treatment of stroke patients by displaying the condition of the cerebral tissue directly in the angio suite. syngo Neuro PBV IR further expands the Siemens imaging application portfolio for Artis zee, the Siemens systems for interventional radiology and cardiology. Syngo.via image reporting software and PACS solution Syngo.plaza improve clinical efficiency With syngo.via, Siemens new imaging software for advanced multimodality reading of clinical cases, the company is placing special focus on reading efficiency through automated case preparation and structured case navigation across various clinical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, and neurology. syngo.via uniquely integrates imaging devices such as Siemens MRI, CT, and PET-CT scanners with the IT infrastructure of RIS and PACS. The syngo.via client-server architecture makes it possible for physicians to not only view and read images at workstations directly at the imaging device, but also to read images on a regular pc outside the radiology department. Since it is crucial that radiologists and cardiologist have access to advanced reading applications on their existing PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System) workstations, syngo.via has been designed to integrate with existing PACS and Radiology Information Systems of all major vendors. Through no-click integration between syngo.via and Siemens newest PACS, syngo.plaza, images are automatically available on syngo.via, giving users fast access to images and the appropriate syngo.via applications. (syngo.plaza is the first PACS from Siemens where 2D, 3D, and 4D reading come together in one place.) Complete Product Lifecycle Support With the syngo.via service agreement, the syngo.via core functionality and clinical applications can be kept up-to-date through ongoing enhancements. These are easily available and delivered through the secure remote infrastructure Siemens Remote Service (SRS). Furthermore, Siemens provides each institution with a primary contact person. Also, remote support for technical service and application topics at the same time is offered up to 24/7. By encompassing software Henkestr. 127, 91052 Erlangen, 3 / 8
maintenance and support, the service agreement provides transparency of service costs, making Total Cost of Ownership foreseeable. Two new MR scanners redefine productivity Siemens redefines productivity with a new generation of its Tim (Total imaging matrix) technology and with its new Dot (Day optimizing throughput) engine. Both technologies are introduced in the new MAGNETOM Aera* 1.5 Tesla (T) and the new MAGNETOM Skyra* 3T MR scanners. These two new scanners are the first to incorporate both Tim and Dot technology. The combination of Tim and Dot delivers patient-centered care and significantly improves productivity across the entire MRI workflow. Siemens will also demonstrate additional innovations, such as the Tim Dockable Table, for easy patient preparation outside the scanner room, and an all new coil architecture incorporating DirectConnect coil design, providing cableless coils for fast and easy set up and higher Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). IRIS: Innovative method for iterative reconstruction of CT images Siemens Healthcare has developed "Iterative Reconstruction in Image Space (IRIS)" to generate high-quality images, acquired with smaller radiation doses. The newly introduced IRIS for the reconstruction of clinical images from CT raw data makes better use of the information contained in the source data, yet is much faster than previous approaches to iterative processes in spite of additional reconstruction steps. Compared to the current standard method for image reconstruction, the so-called Filtered Back Projection (FBP), IRIS offers two options to users of the Siemens procedure: They can either generate the same image quality as with FBP and reduce the dose by up to 60 percent or they can maintain the same dose and generate significantly better image quality than with FBP. IRIS is currently being tested at several university hospitals. Most systems of the Somatom Definition product family will be equipped with the new technology from the second quarter of 2010. News for imaging in minimally invasive procedures for cancer therapy Siemens introduces its comprehensive portfolio for imaging in interventional oncology for the first time. Using these minimally invasive procedures for cancer therapy, the interventional radiologist navigates catheters or needles in the millimeter range. To this end, systems and applications are required that supply high image quality for the detection of details in soft tissue. Siemens provides high-end imaging systems and advanced applications for this purpose which support the physician in his entire workflow from tumor evaluation and procedure planning to therapy and follow-up. Henkestr. 127, 91052 Erlangen, 4 / 8
Tomosynthesis: Breast Care Goes 3D Siemens Healthcare will be showcasing its 3D tomosynthesis solution integrated in the Mammomat Inspiration digital mammography platform. Breast tomosynthesis compiles three-dimensional images of the breast and can therefore detect tumors even if hidden by overlapping tissue. This enables a more accurate diagnosis than before and reduces the number of false positive and negative findings. Available since November 2009 many systems have been installed and are in clinical use all over the world. As part of an integrated tomosynthesis solution, Siemens offers syngo MammoReport, the multi-modality breast care workplace. For the first time, reading and reporting of Siemens 3D breast tomosynthesis, 3D ultrasound and MRI images is combined in one workstation. Light and color: Healthcare Lighting Healthcare Lighting is a concept for lighting design in medical facilities, aimed at creating a friendly and colorful environment instead of the common bland hospital atmosphere. Practical experience to date shows that many patients feel more comfortable and are more relaxed when the examination room or the diagnostic device is flooded with colored light and relaxing music is even played at the same time. Nurses, technologists and doctors also confirm that they find a colorful work environment much more pleasant. Further highlights Molecular imaging and nuclear medicine Siemens Healthcare demonstrates the power of the Biograph mct, the world s first molecular CT. It enables facilities to serve both the nuclear medicine and the radiology department with one system. It achieves this duality through the integration of powerful PET and CT technologies, offering High-Definition PET, time-of-flight technology, and CT configurations up to 128 slices. Biograph mct is ultra-efficient, offering institutions cutting-edge technology, optimum patient care solutions and potential for increased return on investment. Siemens Healthcare highlights this game-changing technology, where Biograph mct is utilized both as a dedicated CT and PET-CT imaging system, as well as sophisticated diagnostic tool for oncology management. Siemens will also highlight Symbia.net, the new client-server solution for SPECT and SPECT-CT imaging applications for anytime, anywhere processing and reading. Symbia.net is part of Siemens Molecular Imaging s ongoing commitment to innovation and access. In addition to the recent release of several new systems into the PET-CT and SPECT-CT markets, this new clientserver solution will allow facilities that require reading from multiple locations to easily share and Henkestr. 127, 91052 Erlangen, 5 / 8
access patient imaging data. Symbia.net is designed for the specific needs of molecular imaging with a user-friendly interface and advanced automation features. It improves clinical workflow by providing hospital staff with easy, economical, access to all patient cases and applications. TubeGuard for real-time monitoring Siemens Healthcare offers the Guardian Program including TubeGuard for all CT scanners in its Somatom Definition product family. TubeGuard is an additional option featuring proactive, real-time monitoring of systems via the Guardian program. It continuously checks the operability of the X-ray tube assembly in the customer's CT system. With TubeGuard the Siemens Service Center is informed online via Siemens Remote Service (SRS) in due time before a tube assembly actually fails, e.g. at the end of its service life. A replacement can thus be supplied immediately, thus reducing the risk of unforeseen system failures considerably. Integrated solutions with hospital IT from Siemens With its integrated IT portfolio, Siemens offers consistent total solutions for radiology from a single source. Orders for image generation are sent to the radiology information systems (RIS) via the order and diagnostic communication modules in the hospital information systems (HIS) i.s.h.med, medico//s and Soarian Clinicals. As soon as the image has been acquired and processed, the radiologist generates the diagnosis via the RIS and sends it to the requesting physician. This image can then be saved in the electronic patient file. Via Soarian Integrated Care, it also can be made available to external parties. Users thus benefit from consistent processes and optimized resource planning. Documents and image material that cannot be stored in PACS can be made available by the Soarian Health Archive in the HIS. Authorized members of the clinic staff can thus access patient files from any workstation in the clinic equipped for that purpose. Green + Hospitals from Siemens: Sustainability is more than just ecology In order to ensure that diagnostics and therapy, even personalized medicine, will continue to satisfy the highest standards and yet still meet the requirements of affordable healthcare, Siemens designed Green + Hospitals. The superscripted plus sign means that sustainability in healthcare requires not only ecological aspects to be taken into account, but also efficiency and quality. The hospital benefits from Green + Hospitals because workflows are optimized and service processes are designed to be more efficient. Innovative medical systems and high-tech building infrastructure reduce energy costs and help to improve patient care. Patients benefit for example from shorter wait times and new diagnostic and treatment methods that put less strain on the body while improving the quality of treatment. In addition, as part of Green + Hospitals Siemens advises Henkestr. 127, 91052 Erlangen, 6 / 8
its customers on optimizing workflows, building management, energy management, control systems, as well as IT and communications infrastructure. Environmental concepts for medical devices and systems For many years, Siemens has been taking back used medical devices, for example, computer and MRT devices, ultrasound, radiotherapy and X-ray apparatus and restoring them. This takes place within an extensive, five-tiered quality process which encompasses device selection, qualified disassembly, restoration, installation and warranty for defects. In this regard, the same high standards in quality apply as for new devices. The systems leave the manufacturing process with the Proven Excellence seal of quality and are sold throughout the world. The environment also benefits from the Proven Excellence Process, as the product life cycle as a whole is extended and, through this, resources can be spared in material production and manufacturing. This prevents the annual emission of 20,000 tonnes of CO 2, which corresponds to the energy consumption of around 5,700 households or the carbon storage of around 32 hectares of rainforest. Laboratory diagnostics: Troponin test fulfills the most stringent guidelines of cardiology societies Today, cardiac troponins are the preferred blood markers for diagnosing myocardial infarction. Siemens was the first company to develop a fully automatic, high-precision and highly sensitive troponin test ("TnI Ultra"), which fulfilled the stringent requirements of the ESC and ACC (European Society of Cardiology/American College of Cardiology). Siemens TnI Ultra enables an earlier and better identification of infarct patients. Since this troponin test has already been successfully used on the fully automatic "Advia Centaur" immunoassay systems from Siemens Healthcare, it is now also available for the new, integrated Dimension EXL analysis system from Siemens Healthcare. Dimension EXL provides both clinical chemical and immunodiagnostic parameters on a single platform. This integrated architecture enables parallel processing of the corresponding assays, thus increasing laboratory productivity. In addition to routine and special diagnostics, the parameter menu also includes therapeutic medication monitoring from immune suppressives to drug screening. Using the LOCI (luminescent oxygen channeling immunoassay) module, innovative chemoluminescence technology can be used to supply highly sensitive analysis results in an especially short time. Henkestr. 127, 91052 Erlangen, 7 / 8
The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare. Henkestr. 127, 91052 Erlangen, 8 / 8