Siemens Introduces New Generation Of Artis Interventional Imaging Systems

Main Category: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 17 Dec 2007 - 2:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Siemens Medical Solutions has launched its new range of Artis zee(R) systems at RSNA in November 2007. The next generation of interventional imaging systems offer breakthrough versatility, enhanced image quality and help to streamline workflow across an array of clinical environments, from body and neurointerventional radiology suites to operating rooms and hybrid rooms.

The revolutionary new Artis zeego® features a multi-axis C-arm that employs robotic technology to extend imaging capabilities through virtually unrestricted C-arm positioning. The extra positioning flexibility allows for advanced cross-sectional imaging not achievable with traditional C-arm systems. The position of the isocentre can be adjusted in accordance with procedural needs or the height of the physician. This is beneficial to a physician during lengthy procedures and also enables off-centre rotational angiography for all areas of the body and supports advanced 3D imaging techniques, including cross-sectional imaging through Siemens' first-to-market syngo® DynaCT.

The Artis zeego's unique design enables advanced imaging capabilities, such as large volume syngo DynaCT* scans, which enable the physician to see the whole abdomen or the entire liver for chemoembolisation and biopsies. Neurointerventional needs are also addressed as views of the skull and the neck and expanded views of the spine are also offered.

Imaging Excellence with Artis Zee Family

The Artis zee family of systems features an enhanced imaging chain, from image acquisition to image processing and documentation. This delivers sharply detailed images required for interventional procedures, enhances clarity in 2D imaging and also enables an array of 3D imaging applications to help enhance clinical decision-making.

"The introduction of the Artis zee family brings enhanced versatility to drive workflow improvements that can help meet the increasing volume in interventional procedures, no matter what the clinical setting," said Claus Grill, vice president, Angiography, Cardiac, and X-ray Systems, Siemens Medical Solutions. "From the innovation of the Artis zeego to imaging excellence of 3D applications like syngo DynaCT, Siemens is uniquely positioned to meet the burgeoning demands of the interventional radiology field as they continue to evolve."

New and enhanced 3D imaging applications included with the Artis zee systems include:

- syngo iPilot - Enables faster, more precise catheter navigation through 3D roadmapping that superimposes 3D reconstructions onto live 2D fluoroscopy images, 2D roadmaps or digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

- syngo iGuide - Designed to bring needle procedures back into the interventional suite, providing more comfort for the physician and freeing up the computed tomography (CT) scanner from this lengthy procedure.

The Artis zee systems are designed to streamline workflows and create efficiencies to help keep pace with increased interventional volume. Intuitive, menu-driven workflows streamline such procedures as obtaining soft tissue results for both frequent and infrequent users. The Artis zee systems also enable all system movements to be easily controlled with one ergonomic tableside device.

The Artis zeego supports additional degrees of freedom beyond those of traditional C-arm technology; the rotation centre of the positioner can be placed anywhere in a sphere around the patient enabling physicians to perform complex scanning movements, such as tilted table scans in the peripherals.

The system's flexibility makes it ideal for use in complicated operating room environments. Advanced pre- and post-operative imaging can be performed in the same room, enabling surgery to be started directly, without transferring the patient, in emergency situations when interventional procedures are unsuccessful. Artis zeego's flexible park positioning enables it to be stowed away in a variety of space-saving positions.

The Artis zee systems are available in floor-mounted, ceiling-mounted, multipurpose, biplane and biplane twin configurations, as well as the multi-axis Artis zeego.

About Siemens Medical Solutions

Siemens Medical Solutions 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 Medical Solutions will be the first fully integrated diagnostics company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. The company is a single-source provider of solutions across the entire continuum of care - from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Siemens Medical Solutions employs more than 48,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. According to U.S. GAAP, in the fiscal year 2007 (until Sept. 30th) Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 9.85 billion €, orders of 10.27 billion € and group profit of 1.32 billion € (preliminary figures, unaudited). Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.co.uk/medical.

* Pending 510(k) - The information about this product is being provided for planning purposes. The product is pending 510(k) review, and is not yet commercially available in the U.S.