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Siemens Advances Next-Generation Ultrasound Imaging and Focuses on Future Clinical Applications; New Capabilities and Technology Enhancements for ACUSON Sequoia Platform Introduced at RSNA

Posted on: Tuesday, 22 November 2005, 12:00 CST

Siemens Medical Solutions continues to advance next-generation ultrasound imaging not only with its recent acquisition of Sensant Corporation and silicon ultrasound transducer technology, but also with the introduction of the Encompass II release for the ultra-premium ACUSON Sequoia(TM) ultrasound platform. The company will showcase its complete suite of ultrasound systems at the 91st Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2 (booth #4337) in Chicago.

Siemens is dedicated to offering its customers unequaled clinical value and performance, and is committed to the continuous development of high resolution and high sensitivity technology requisite for future clinical applications. For example, the company's Cadence(TM) contrast pulse sequencing (CPS) technology offers new levels of contrast detection and specificity for molecular imaging with ultrasound. This will ultimately result in expanded clinical applications, increased diagnostic confidence, and real-time prediction of disease processes. The company's pre-clinical trials in molecular imaging show promise in future applications for assessment of inflammation, angiogenesis, and thrombus formation.

A second example is silicon ultrasound technology, which is expected to offer efficient volumetric 4D imaging for a wide range of applications, enabling clinicians to visualize a greater level of detail within both conventional and volumetric 4D ultrasound images. The company will integrate the technology into its complete range of ultrasound systems, and expects it to be commercially available within two years.

At this year's RSNA, Siemens Ultrasound also will highlight enhancements to its Sequoia system, the top-selling ultrasound system in the United States for eight years running*. With a constant flow of new capabilities being added to this flagship technology, the Sequoia system continues to deliver ultrasound solutions that meet the demands of busy diagnostic and research practices. The new feature enhancements being showcased for the Sequoia system build on the success of the platform to enable improved diagnostic image quality, workflow and ergonomics.

The Encompass II release features high resolution color flow (HRCF), an innovative technology that applies Chirp-coded excitation to color Doppler to dramatically address spatial resolution and sensitivity.

Beverly Hashimoto, M.D., section head of ultrasound, Department of Radiology, Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Wash., found the HRCF technology valuable in her daily work. "In all cases, the HRCF exhibited better penetration and sensitivity compared to regular color Doppler," she said.

HRCF technology addresses spatial resolution, color bleeding, slow flow sensitivity, color penetration, vascular hemodynamics and deep flow identification. It is expected to be most powerful when used for imaging in the abdomen and obstetrics, renal studies, peripheral vascular studies, and imaging of small parts such as breast, thyroid, testicle and tumor studies. Also featured in the release is a high-resolution, flat panel display monitor and integrated CD/DVD-R for easy viewing and cost-effective export of exam data.

"The Sequoia platform positions our customers for the challenges they face today, and leaves them well-poised to address the issues of tomorrow," said Klaus Hambuechen, president, Ultrasound Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "Our strategy is to improve our customers' workflow by delivering integrated platform technologies and new clinically proven applications. The Encompass releases leverage the power and efficacy of the Sequoia platform and protect our customers' investment with continuous upgradeability and focus on leading-edge image quality."

Additional ultrasound products and technology highlighted at RSNA include:

-- The Encompass III** release -- Providing new means to extract and display myocardial mechanics from ultrasound information called Axius Velocity Vector Imaging(TM) (VVI) for the shared-service Sequoia ultrasound platform. The quantitative motion analysis tool is intended for use with any transducer for all cardiovascular imaging including adult, pediatrics, transesophageal (TEE), intracardiac echocardiography, fetal and vascular applications.

-- The ACUSON Antares ultrasound system, premium edition -- Joining the successful Siemens' ACUSON brand, the premium edition is a complete ultrasound system that provides highly upgradeable and comprehensive clinical capabilities, research functions, enhanced workflow efficiencies and user-friendly ergonomics. This premium performance solution delivers a higher level of diagnostic confidence with excellent 2D, 4D, color Doppler and contrast agent imaging, and provides integrated tools for busy and diverse clinical practices and research institutions.

-- The SONOLINE G60 S(TM) ultrasound system -- A uniquely scalable, multi-specialty system. The system's fourSight(TM) 4D ultrasound imaging technology has been enhanced to offer easy 4D volume acquisition and workflow support to reduce exam acquisition and post processing time.

-- The SONOLINE G40(TM) ultrasound system -- An ultra-portable color Doppler system that offers superior diagnostic capabilities for a broad range of patients and applications. Its comprehensive range of features includes Hanafy Lens transducer technology, high sensitivity color Doppler and Virtual Format imaging.

Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) with headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania and Erlangen, Germany, is one of the largest suppliers to the healthcare industry in the world. 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. Employing approximately 31,000 people worldwide and operating in more than 120 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 7.6 billion EUR, orders of 8.6 billion EUR and group profit of 976 million EUR for fiscal 2005 (preliminary figures). More information can be obtained by visiting http://www.usa.siemens.com/medical-pressroom.

* Klein Biomedical 2004 Report

** The Encompass III release is not yet commercially available.

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PHOTOGRAPHY AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

Source: Business Wire

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