Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: LuJean Smith
Siemens Medical Solutions
(610) 448-1473
lujean.smith@siemens.com
SIEMENS INTRODUCES BREAKTHROUGH CAPABILITIES FOR ITS ADVANCED
ULTRASOUND SYSTEMS, SHOWCASES TWO NEW SYSTEMS AT RSNA 2006
Breakthrough Breast Imaging Technology Highlights Advancements for ACUSON
Antares; Versatile ACUSON X300 and X500 Systems Make Their RSNA Debut
CHICAGO, Nov. 27, 2006 — Siemens Medical Solutions will introduce new
breakthrough capabilities in breast imaging for the ACUSON Antares™ ultrasound system
and innovative advancements for the ACUSON Sequoia™ ultrasound platform that are
expected to deliver increased imaging power, better patient outcomes and enhanced clinical
workflow at the 92nd Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of
North America (RSNA) from Nov. 26 to Dec. 1 (booth #4129) in Chicago.
Siemens will also showcase the new X Class products with the ACUSON X300™ and
ACUSON X500™ ultrasound systems, which have been designed to address ergonomic
concerns of users and are equipped to handle a wide range of applications throughout varied
environments.
―Today, while efforts are under way to monitor and reduce the overuse of exams that
expose patients to radiation, the non-ionizing technology of ultrasound continues to expand
its clinical use, improve workflow and ergonomics, and bring new diagnostic options to
patients and healthcare professionals alike,‖ said Klaus Hambuechen, president, Siemens
Medical Solutions Ultrasound Division. ―Siemens is leading the development of ultrasound
innovations that make a difference in the daily work of physicians and sonographers by
helping to streamline workflows, increase mobility, reduce physical strain on users, and
improve the consistency and quality of imaging.‖
The new ACUSON Antares system, premium edition, will offer a breakthrough in
breast ultrasound technology with a revolutionary elasticity imaging technology package,
which is expected to enable physicians to accurately distinguish characteristics of breast
lesions, more clearly demonstrating relative tissue stiffness or hardness, infiltration, and
-more-
Siemens Introduces Breakthrough Capabilities for Its Advanced Ultrasound Systems, page 2
cystic regions. This new capability may reduce reliance on invasive breast biopsy
procedures, based on initial research being conducted by Richard G. Barr, M.D., Ph.D.,
professor of radiology at Northeastern Ohio University’s College of Medicine and radiologist
at Southwoods X-ray and MRI in Youngstown.
Using Siemens’ real-time, free-hand elasticity imaging technique, Dr. Barr studied 166
breast lesions identified and scheduled for biopsy in 99 patients, and found the technology
delivered sensitivity to the highest degree.
―Initial findings indicate that elasticity technology has high specificity for the
investigation of breast lesions,‖ said Dr. Barr. ―The technique is a modification of a routine
ultrasound exam, yet with no noticeable difference to the patient, while still offering diagnostic
confidence to both the physician and the patient.‖
In addition to elasticity imaging, the Antares system, premium edition, will be equipped
with Advanced SieClear™ Spatial Compounding, which includes unique tissue stabilization
technology to deliver unmatched detail and contrast resolution, and Dynamic TCE™ Tissue
Contrast Enhancement, setting the standard in B-mode imaging through speckle reduction for
improved contrast resolution and image presentation. New volumetric imaging and
automation capabilities are expected to significantly reduce exam time and improve workflow.
The new Fetal Assessment Application includes syngo® Auto OB measurements and
Advanced fourSight™ technology providing broad 3D/4D acquisition, rendering, and post-
processing functionality such as multi-slice and thick-slice imaging, curved multi-planar
reconstruction (MPR), as well as Amnioscopic Rendering, an innovative surface rendering
technique.
The new High Performance Imaging release for the ACUSON Sequoia ultrasound
system, which has been the top-selling ultrasound system in the U.S. for eight years running,
also includes the new Advanced SieClear Spatial Compounding technology with Dynamic
TCE capabilities. In addition, two new transducers will be available for the Sequoia, including
the 17L5 HD transducer, a high-density ergonomic probe that delivers never-before-seen
detail in imaging of small parts, breast, and subtle pathologies. Vascular imaging has been
enhanced through the introduction of the 9L4 transducer, a one-transducer solution that
addresses cerebrovascular, peripheral arterial and deep venous imaging.
-more-
Siemens Introduces Breakthrough Capabilities for Its Advanced Ultrasound Systems, page 3
New advanced clinical applications also will be available for the Sequoia system,
including syngo Mitral Valve Assessment, which enables rapid three-dimensional (3D)
evaluation of mitral valve morphology and pathology. In addition, the new syngo Arterial
Health Package helps physicians evaluate cardiac risk and quantify cardiovascular age with
intima-media thickness measurements.
The new release for the ACUSON Antares received FDA clearance on Nov. 20, 2006;
the releases for both the Antares and the Sequoia will be available in the first calendar
quarter of 2007.
New Compact Ultrasound Systems Make Their RSNA Debut
Making their RSNA debut are the new ACUSON X300 and X500 ultrasound
systems, both equipped with an ErgoDynamic™ imaging system design and broad range of
clinical capabilities. These lightweight, fully featured systems deliver exceptional imaging
performance in a compact, mobile package.
The X500 system is an advanced, multi-specialty system suitable for a wide range of
radiology and cardiology applications, and offers optional transesophageal and stress
echocardiography capabilities. Available features include fourSight 3D/4D imaging and the
syngo Arterial Health Package, technologies that have migrated from Siemens’ top-of-the-line
ultrasound platforms. Delivering improved user-to-user consistency, TGO™ (tissue gain
optimization) PLUS instantaneously – with a single push of a button – optimizes tissue gain
and brightness, both in the axial and lateral planes. The system’s 17-inch flat panel display,
articulating arm, as well as its height-adjustable and customizable control panel, maximize
user comfort and workflow.
An ultra-compact, performance-oriented system designed for clinical efficiency, the
X300 is uniquely positioned to become the go-to system in busy settings such as emergency
rooms. With an operator-friendly console that helps to reduce arm and hand movement, and
its small, lightweight transducers, the X300 takes the pain and pressure out of routine
scanning. The system’s TGO technology delivers consistent image quality, while advanced
Hanafy lens transducer technology enables improved image uniformity when scanning
technically difficult-to-image patients.
The X300 is currently shipping to customers worldwide; the X500 is expected to be
available in early December 2006.
-more-
Siemens Introduces Breakthrough Capabilities for Its Advanced Ultrasound Systems, page 4
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 – mark a significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service
diagnostics company. Employing approximately 36,000 people worldwide and operating in
more than 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 (preliminary
figures). Further information can be found by visiting www.usa.siemens.com/medical-
pressroom.
###