Siemens Introduces New Dual Energy Applications to SOMATOM Definition
11 March 2008 - 3:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
First Dual-Source CT System Brings More Innovative Diagnostics to
the Market MALVERN, Pa., March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Encouraged by the
outstanding marketing success of the worldwide first Dual-Source
computed tomography (CT) system, the SOMATOM(R) Definition, Siemens
Healthcare (http://www.siemens.com/healthcare) announces the 510(k)
market clearance of four new applications aimed at simplifying the
diagnosis of diseases of the heart, brain, lungs, and extremity
joints. With a dual X-ray tube and dual-detector design, the
SOMATOM Definition routinely provides images at twice the temporal
resolution, twice the speed, and twice the power of single-source
systems. Siemens announced the new applications at ECR 2008,
currently being held in Vienna. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO ) The
SOMATOM Definition acquires images of outstanding quality and
detail even of hearts with a high heart rate or irregular heartbeat
-- at only half the dose of previous Siemens systems. The two X-ray
tubes provide the system with features previously not existing in
diagnostic imaging. This includes the possibility of,
simultaneously, operating the X-ray tubes at different voltage
levels (dual energy, or DE) in a single scan so that two data
records with different patient information are generated, thereby
displaying tissue and fluids and facilitating the distinction of
vessels, bones, and soft tissue. "The SOMATOM Definition moves CT
to an entirely new dimension of diagnostic sensitivity where
contrast in the image is not merely limited to x-ray attenuation
differences, but may include elements of functional and tissue
characterization. This additional information may be used to
improve diagnostic outcomes and to simplify complex workflows,"
explains Peter Kingma, Vice President, CT, Siemens Medical
Solutions USA, Inc. "The Definition already offers enhanced
resolution, speed, and power. Now, we are adding convenience of use
to the mix." One of the new dual energy applications for the
SOMATOM Definition is syngo(R) DE Heart PBV (Perfusion Blood
Volume), which provides color-marking of non-perfused parts of the
myocardium during cardiology examinations. Moreover, syngo DE Heart
PBV enables the isolated display of the heart, for example, without
thorax structures. The heart perfusion is examined primarily after
an infarction to determine damaged areas of the organ. For the
first time, DECT can detect a stenosis and its degree, as well as
the location and extent of the resulting reduced perfusion in the
myocardium in a single scan. Deposits of uric acid crystals in the
joints of gout patients may damage the cartilaginous and osseous
substance, particularly if the disease has been chronic for several
years. With syngo DE Gout, CT can now also be used for gout
detection. The new dual energy application assists the physician in
clearly identifying uric acid crystals in the extremities and
monitoring changes in the crystals in the course of treatment.
syngo DE Lung Vessels provides a whole series of applications to
assist the physician in CT examinations of patients with suspected
pulmonary embolism -- a sudden occlusion of blood vessels in the
lungs. The new applications enable the detection of non-perfused
blood vessels and tissue of the lungs through color-marking. The
"lung isolation" application isolates the entire organ to allow the
assessment of the perfusion situation without obstructing
neighboring organs. syngo DE Brain Hemorrhage assists in the
distinction between new and old hemorrhages in the event of
cerebral bleeding. The two energy levels of the X-ray tubes are
used to fade out the contrast medium (CM). In the past, this had
required two scans. The contrast medium subtraction offers two
advantages: A non-contrast medium enhanced examination is not
necessary, and the patient is spared the dose of a second scan. The
four new dual energy applications presented by Siemens at the ECR
2008 supplement the six existing CT applications with dual energy
features: -- syngo DE Direct Angio for the distinction of bone and
vessel structures, particularly if the vessels are located directly
next to the bone -- syngo DE Lung PBV for perfusion assessment of
the lung tissue -- syngo DE Musculoskeletal for the display of
ligaments and tendons -- syngo DE Calculi Characterization for the
automatic distinction of the biochemical composition of renal
calculi (e.g., uric acid or calcium oxalate) -- syngo DE Hardplaque
for the display of calcification in the body and determination of
the vessel status -- syngo DE Virtual Unenhanced for the
subtraction of contrast medium in abdominal scans About Siemens
Healthcare Siemens Healthcare 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 fully integrated diagnostics 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. The company
employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130
countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare
reported sales of euro 9.85 billion, orders of euro 10.27 billion,
and group profit of euro 1.32 billion. Further information can be
found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare.
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Siemens Healthcare CONTACT:
Tom Schaffner of Siemens Healthcare, +1-610-448-1477, Web site:
http://www.siemens.com/healthcare
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