Siemens Shapes the Future of Integrated Diagnostic Imaging
11 October 2008 - 4:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Molecular CT adds metabolic information from PET to traditional CT
and enables truly integrated diagnostic imaging for maximized
workflow efficiency and quick return on investment MUNICH, Germany,
Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Healthcare
(http://www.siemens.com/healthcare) introduces molecular CT, a new
concept in integrated imaging that provides a premium imaging
platform, and is a practical solution for today's shrinking
healthcare budget. This new technology, Biograph mCT, represents
the evolution of integration in imaging; a CT with molecular
capabilities, a PET scanner with unlimited capabilities in CT, and
a high performance integrated imager that an be used to achieve
true collaboration and cooperation between diagnostic imaging
specialties. "As the inventor of positron emission
tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), Siemens wants to lead the
evolution of hybrid imaging to maximize innovations and make them
available where they will have the most impact," said Dr. Bernd
Montag, CEO, Siemens Healthcare, Imaging and IT Division, Erlangen,
Germany. "With Biograph mCT, we've taken the best Siemens has to
offer in CT and enabled the introduction of 'smart' contrast --
molecular contrast -- using the most advanced PET technology
available," he said, at the Siemens Forum in Munich, where the new
system was first shown to a select group of customers from around
the world. Biograph mCT is the ideal solution for an integrated
imaging environment. It was designed to obtain functional,
anatomical and molecular information from one, noninvasive
diagnostic exam, and adapts to virtually any patient and any
clinical need with higher resolution, contrast and speed. The
clinician has the option of using the industry's highest resolution
CT in conjunction with the high-definition PET technology or as a
standalone CT. Depending on the case, molecular contrast can be
used for additional metabolic information. Biograph mCT is the only
imaging device to offer whole-body PET-CT scanning in just five
minutes(1), a revolutionary feature that optimizes flexibility and
efficiency. From an investment standpoint, using one,
all-encompassing scanner is a highly efficient means of making the
most of an institution's imaging equipment and strengthening the
existing workflows between radiology and molecular imaging.
"Biograph mCT is the quintessential definition of efficiency; one
team, one room, one machine, and one comfortable patient," said
Montag. "It offers the potential of diagnosing disease earlier and
more effective management of disease at reduced costs. Speaking
directly to the bottom line, with Biograph mCT, an institution may
only need to purchase one imager instead of two, representing a
huge cost-savings potential in a time when healthcare budgets are
tight." The consolidation of equipment, staff and scan times can
enable major cost savings, return on investment and excellence in
patient care, as well as patient and staff satisfaction when
innovation and integration work in tandem. More About Biograph mCT
With a small footprint, large bore, a short tunnel and an
extra-wide, 500-pound-capacity bed (227 kg), Biograph mCT is
designed to accommodate all kinds of patients -- including
pediatric, bariatric, and geriatric -- comfortably and easily. The
ability to complete studies in less time can reduce patients'
anxiety. Biograph mCT's large 78 cm bore can also help to alleviate
patients' sense of claustrophobia and allows better positioning of
RTP devices, such as breast boards, and makes scanning of obese
patients easier. Biograph mCT adapts to virtually all patient types
and clinical needs. Its unmatched isotropic resolution in CT,
combined with its industry-best rotation time, brings out the
finest anatomical details in every scan -- routine and advanced --
limiting motion artifacts. It is available in detector
configurations of 40-, 64-, and 128-slices, a first in integrated
scanners. Biograph mCT's powerful HD-PET technology delivers highly
detailed images with up to four times as much contrast. In fact, it
is the world's only PET technology that offers 2 mm uniform
resolution throughout the field of view (FOV). Biograph mCT also
addresses two of the foremost concerns related to scanning: scan
time and radiation dose. With its ultra-low dose capability and
super-fast PET acquisition time, scanning can be less stressful for
the clinician and the patient. "The ability to provide a
high-quality imaging environment for patients that is
accommodating, comfortable and reliable plays a key role in the
success of a healthcare provider," said Montag. "The investment
made in imaging equipment, such as this, will provide clinicians
the information necessary to best diagnose and treat patients."
With Biograph mCT, a single room can be transformed into a fast,
dual-modality scanning facility, where both CT and PET can be
operated in one room with one staff, one schedule, and if required,
one comprehensive exam. As a result, space, time and costs that
would be required to implement such high-end systems separately can
be reduced, while maximizing dual-modality utilization. The Siemens
Healthcare Sector 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 integrated healthcare 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. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader
in innovative hearing instruments. 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. (1) Based on competitor data
sheets. Data on file. DATASOURCE: Siemens Healthcare Sector
CONTACT: Tom Schaffner, +1-610-448-1477, , of Siemens Medical
Solutions USA, Inc., for Siemens Healthcare Sector Web site:
http://www.siemens.com/healthcare
http://www.usa.siemens.com/healthcare
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