New Robotic Imaging Technology Holds Promise of Improved Cancer Care
18 March 2008 - 3:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
New Research Reveals Imaging with Siemens' Artis zeego Can Improve
Chemoembolization Procedures for Interventional Radiologists
WASHINGTON, March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- New research released at the
Society of Interventional Radiology's (SIR) Annual Scientific
Meeting in Washington, D.C., this week, holds promise of a new
interventional imaging capability using advanced robotics provided
by Siemens Healthcare (http://www.siemens.com/healthcare), to
improve the value of chemoembolization in treating cancer. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO ) The
research, presented by Dr. John Angle, Associate Professor of
Radiology, Chief, Division of Angiography, University of Virginia
Health System in Charlottesville, at the "Advanced Imaging
Symposium," reveals clinical results from his case study using the
Siemens Artis zeego(R), a multi-axis C-arm that employs robotic
technology to enable large-volume syngo(R) DynaCT acquisition for
liver chemoembolization. The Artis zeego is part of the new Artis
zee(R) family of interventional imaging systems introduced by
Siemens. Siemens is showcasing the Artis zee family at the SIR
meeting in Booth #833. Additionally, Dr. Michael J. Wallace from
the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and
Dr. Ralf Hofmann from the University of Munich in Germany presented
case studies using Artis zee solutions at the symposium. According
to Angle, the combination of the Artis zeego and large-volume
syngo(R) DynaCT enables the physician to see the whole abdomen or
the entire liver for chemoembolization and biopsies, and provides
reliable post-TACE assessment of lipidol uptake. "The Artis zeego's
support for expanded syngo DynaCT anatomical coverage enables the
entire liver to be imaged without moving the patient," said Angle.
"We have found the system to be reliable, stable and very easy to
use. We plan on expanding the scope of cases for which we use the
Artis zeego." The Artis zeego, which recently received FDA 510(k)
clearance, offers breakthrough versatility, enhanced image quality
and streamlined workflow across an array of clinical environments,
from body and neurointerventional radiology suites to operating
rooms and hybrid rooms. Additionally, Frost & Sullivan recently
selected the Artis zeego as winner of the 2008 Frost & Sullivan
Technology Innovation Award at their Excellence in Medical
Technologies Awards banquet. The first two facilities in North
America to receive the Artis zeego for research are St. Luke's
Episcopal Hospital in Houston and the University of Virginia Health
System. The versatility of the Artis zee family is exemplified by
the revolutionary new Artis zeego to extend imaging capabilities
through virtually unrestricted C-arm positioning. The ability to
support two non-concentric rotations supports advanced
cross-sectional imaging, which is not achievable with traditional
C-arm systems. The Artis zeego makes it possible for the position
of the isocenter to be adjusted according to the procedural needs
or the height of the physician, which is particularly beneficial to
a physician during lengthy procedures while wearing a heavy
lead-shielded apron. The adjustable isocenter also enables
off-center 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. Imaging
Excellence Distinguishes Artis zee Family The entire Artis zee
family of systems features 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.
"With the increasing number of minimally invasive procedures,
demand for high-end imaging systems in the operating room continues
to surge," said Claus Grill, Vice President, Angiography, Cardiac,
and X-ray Systems, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. "To meet
these burgeoning needs, Siemens developed the Artis zee family, a
line that provides exceptional image quality and enhancements to
assist clinicians with a variety of interventional procedures --
including the ability to better see stents which are getting
smaller and smaller." New and enhanced 3D imaging applications
included with the Artis zee systems include: -- syngo iPilot, which
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). The application provides real time updates of C-arm and
table movements, as well as zoom and source-to-image distance (SID)
changes. -- syngo iGuide, which is designed to bring needle
procedures back into the interventional suite, enabling enhanced
comfort for the physician and frees up the computed tomography (CT)
scanner from this lengthy procedure. With the superb fluoroscopy
image quality of the Artis zee systems, these procedures can be
executed faster and with greater confidence. 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
configurations of the Artis zee family also enable all system
movements to be easily controlled with one ergonomic tableside
device. Virtually Unrestricted Freedom of Movement Leveraging
advanced robotic technologies, the Artis zeego supports additional
degrees of freedom beyond those of traditional C-arm technology.
Specifically, the rotation center of the positioner can be placed
anywhere in a sphere around the patient. The Artis zeego enables
physicians to perform complex scanning movements such as tilted
table scans in the peripherals. This type of scanning has not been
possible with traditional C-arm design. 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 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/SIEMENSLOGODATASOURCE:
Siemens Healthcare CONTACT: Tom Schaffner, +1-610-448-1477, Web
site: http://www.siemens.com/healthcare
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