From Screening To Diagnosis And Follow-Up

Main Category: MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology;  Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Article Date: 14 Nov 2007 - 4:00 PDT

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Easy to operate, highly accessible, fast and mobile - these are the characteristics that make ultrasound the No. 1 used modality in diagnostic imaging and the reason why leading healthcare providers continue to invest in innovation to drive workflow improvements. Siemens Medical Solutions continues to lead the way in innovating workflow solutions for their customers expanding the use of ultrasound across the continuum of care. By introducing the P and X Class, new generations of ultrasound platforms, Siemens meets today's highest demands for diagnostic confidence and cost effectiveness. In combination with advanced ultrasound applications, such as cardiovascular risk assessment and advanced breast imaging solutions for screening and diagnosis, they feature comprehensive solutions from screening to diagnosis to follow-up.

The Acuson P10 hand held diagnostic ultrasound system is the smallest ultrasound system in the world. A little larger than a common PDA and only about 700 grams in weight, it fits easily into a lab coat pocket. It is intended for complementary initial diagnostic care and triage, particularly in cardiology and emergency care. Available anytime, anywhere, the Acuson P10 can be used by physicians and medical personnel in a number of environments including intensive care units, ambulances and medevac helicopters, but also for bedside monitoring. In addition to cardiac and emergency care, the P10 pocket ultrasound system offers applications in other medical specialties, most notably obstetrics where it can be used in labor and delivery.

The Acuson X150 system uniquely combines high performance, an easy-to-use design, and flexibility. Designed specifically for use in internal and family medicine, the Acuson X150 also includes special tools for cardiac screening, and is therefore also suited for use in emergency medicine. The system delivers excellent image quality in B-Mode with a penetration depth of up to 28 centimeters, and is characterized by its superior sensitivity in Doppler and Power Doppler modes. Its low weight and compact design make it ideal for mobile use.

The Acuson X300 ultrasound system is an ultra-compact, powerful, economic workhorse ultrasound solution. Its Clarify Vascular Enhancement technology allows for an improved display of vessels and SieClear MultiSpatial Compounding ensures the highest possible spatial resolution. Available for the system is the syngo Arterial Health Package (AHP), which features a semi-automated carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement with Vascular Age and Framingham Risk Factors, to help cardiovascular specialists evaluate arterial health. This reliable, noninvasive assessment tool empowers physicians and patients to address atherosclerosis in its earliest stages by optimizing proactive treatment and preventive care. In addition to vascular diagnostics, the X300 features a complete set of applications for everyday routine exams that covers a large variety of clinical specialties including OB/Gyn, Radiology, Internal Medicine and basic cardiac applications.

Siemens also introduces the latest ultrasound application for breast cancer diagnosis on the Acuson Antares system. "eSie Touch" elasticity imaging is a new technique that can be used to supplement regular ultrasound examinations of the breast to differentiate the relative stiffness of tissue. Initial findings indicate that elasticity imaging has a high specificity for the investigation of breast lesions. Physicians hope that in the future breast elasticity will spare many patients from having to undergo unnecessary biopsies.

In its latest version, the proven Acuson Sequoia ultrasound system features comprehensive software tools that provide the physician with improved image quality. The premium performance platform addresses the needs of both, gastroenterology and cardiology, including the assessment of vascular age and the individual risk of cardiac infarction. Special IT programs ensure a noise-free display of vessels.

Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. Recent acquisitions in the area of in-vitro diagnostics - such as Diagnostic Products Corporation and Bayer Diagnostics - mark a significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service diagnostics company. Employing more than 41,000 people worldwide and operating in over 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06 billion EUR for fiscal 2006 (Sept. 30).

http://www.medical.siemens.com