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Siemens Installs the 400th MAGNETOM Espree Open Bore MRI at Suburban Imaging - Coon Rapids

Posted on: Thursday, 24 May 2007, 09:00 CDT

Siemens Medical Solutions (www.usa.siemens.com/medical) recently installed the 400th MAGNETOM Espree™ at Suburban Imaging - Coon Rapids (Minnesota), where the system will support the entire imaging network of seven facilities in the Twin Cities area.

"We are excited about our new Espree since we now will be able to offer high quality abdominal organ imaging, spine and Breast MRI, as well as all types of MRA to patients who could not be imaged with the traditional closed bore system due to claustrophobia and body habitus limitations," said Aaron Binstock, M.D., Body Radiologist and Assistant Medical Director, Suburban Imaging - Coon Rapids. "This new magnet gives us all the luxuries of an open magnet with the high-quality images and speed of a state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla closed bore system."

The MAGNETOM Espree was designed with obese or claustrophobic patients in mind. The system's bore opening is nearly 2.3 feet in diameter -- the first and only 70-centimeter bore in the industry. Other bore magnets typically have internal diameters of 60 centimeters. Espree provides an average of one foot of space above the patient's head which is about twice that of vertical field open magnets. The MAGNETOM Espree's magnet is approximately four feet long -- the shortest in the industry. Many exams can be completed with the patient's head outside of the bore, dramatically reducing anxiety and claustrophobia fears that occur in long-tube, closed bore systems.

"Imaging facilities have embraced the Espree because it meets the clinical needs they face every day," said Nancy Gillen, vice president, MRI Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "The Espree's superb ability to both accommodate patients physically and to provide the high speed and image quality of 1.5T MRI helps facilities provide patients an MRI exam that produces high-quality images even with larger patients."

The MAGNETOM Espree provides up to a four times greater signal-to-noise ratio compared with traditional open MRI designs. The added field strength is beneficial when imaging larger patients. At 1.5T, the MAGNETOM Espree can perform advanced clinical applications -- including angiographic, neurological and cardiac procedures -- in less time, because it combines strong gradient performance with Siemens' patented Tim® (Total imaging matrix) technology. Tim is the first seamless whole-body surface coil design that combines up to 102 integrated coil elements with up to 32 independent radiofrequency (RF) channels, providing clinicians the flexibility to place coils together in any combination for multi-region exams, all in a single patient set-up.

Tim technology enables flexible coil combinations to encompass local high resolution imaging to large anatomical coverage up to 81 inches. Other systems require the radiologist to change coils and reposition the patient three times for a whole central nervous system or whole-body MRI procedure. Tim also enables the use of integrated Parallel Acquisition Techniques (iPAT) in all body regions, reducing examination times. As a result, image quality is increased by up to 100 percent higher signal-to-noise ratio and acquisition times are shortened.

The MAGNETOM Espree also requires a small footprint of only 323 square feet to install the system. Since the magnet is water-cooled, the Espree can easily be installed in an office environment or even small private practice medical facilities.

About Suburban Imaging

Suburban Imaging offers state-of-the-art outpatient imaging services at seven locations in the Twin Cities area. Suburban Imaging utilizes the latest advancements in medical imaging equipment to ensure diagnostic consistency and accuracy, and to provide the best possible care to the patient. In addition to MRI services, Suburban Imaging offers CT, ultrasound, PET/CT, spinal and joint injections, bone densitometry, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, and X-ray services. The professional staff at Suburban Imaging works with the surrounding clinics and healthcare providers to deliver accurate reports within 24 hours of the examination. The staff and radiologists at Suburban Imaging strive to achieve quality care, satisfaction, and a comfortable experience for each patient served.

About Siemens Medical Solutions

Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. 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. Recent acquisitions in the area of in-vitro diagnostics -- such as Diagnostic Products Corporation and Bayer Diagnostics -- mark a significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service diagnostics company. Employing more than 41,000 people worldwide and operating in over 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06 billion EUR for fiscal 2006 (Sept. 30). Further information can be found by visiting www.usa.siemens.com/medical-pressroom.

Source: Business Wire

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