Siemens Expands the SOMATOM Definition(TM) Line With World's First Adaptive CT Scanner

		Siemens Medical Solutions SOMATOM Definition(TM) AS comes in multiple configurations, each of which is tailored to a hospital's workflow and clinical needs, with a goal to make the most complex procedures routine. The technology couples multiple components in a dynamic manner: a large-volume coverage area with a 200-cm scan range, 78-cm gantry bore and the ability to add a high-capacity 650-lb patient table. These features allow even the most difficult patients to be imaged rapidly and entirely, without difficulty. (PRNewsFoto/Siemens Medical Solutions) MALVERN, PA UNITED STATES

		Siemens logo. (PRNewsFoto/Siemens Corporation) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES

A Defining Moment in CT Begins Today with Siemens New Era of Adaptive CT Scanners. MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Medical Solutions (http://www.usa.siemens.com/medical) has expanded the SOMATOM Definition(TM) family of computed tomography scanners (CT) with the first CT that adapts to patients with the most challenging clinical situations. The SOMATOM Definition family consists of the SOMATOM Definition Dual Source and the new SOMATOM Definition AS*, the world's first Adaptive Scanner. Both will be on display at the 93rd Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) from Nov. 25 to 30 in Chicago (Booth #7713, Hall B). (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071119/NYM018 ) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO ) By expanding the Definition line, Siemens defines a new trend in CT imaging: moving from simply imaging patients to actively managing a complete patient outcome. To enable this change, the SOMATOM Definition scanners go beyond the capabilities of current state-of-the-art scanners by adapting to the patient's clinical situation. From pediatrics to bariatrics, Siemens Adaptive Spiral technology personalizes CT. "A SOMATOM Definition CT scanner transforms itself into a stroke unit, a noninvasive cath lab, a therapy management tool for cancer patients, or an interventional suite -- all according to the need of the individual patient," said Bernd Montag, president, Siemens Medical Solutions, CT Division. "All of these advances work to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare while keeping the costs down." The SOMATOM Definition AS The Definition AS comes in multiple configurations, each of which is tailored to a hospital's workflow and clinical needs, with a goal to make the most complex procedures routine. The technology couples multiple components in a dynamic manner: a large-volume coverage area with a 200-cm scan range, 78-cm gantry bore and the ability to add a high-capacity 650-lb patient table. These features allow even the most difficult patients (i.e., trauma patients) to be imaged rapidly, from head to toe, without difficulty. The Definition AS will be available in 40-slice, 64-slice and 128-slice configurations. The Definition AS adapts to each patient's clinical situation and also opens the door to new applications in CT imaging. With Adaptive 4D Spiral, the Definition AS is able to address functional imaging (perfusion images of blood flow over time) specific to the organ being imaged. This allows Siemens to offer information beyond simple perfusion and into phase contrast CT. In the case of a stroke, physicians can use whole-organ perfusion imaging not only for a small part of the brain, but for all of it. "We hope we can diagnose stroke earlier than with current state-of-the-art CT scanners. Time is brain. The earlier we get the patient to therapy, the better," said Werner A. Bautz, M.D., professor and chair of diagnostic radiology and director of the Radiological Institute at the University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany. Dr. Bautz took delivery on the first Definition AS, which will go live today, on Nov. 19. The SOMATOM Definition AS also sees tremendous benefit with the Adaptive Dose Shield technology. All CT vendors fall prey to unnecessary dose both before and after the spiral scan, which is a function of spiral multislice imaging. As detector size and slice counts grow, this problem becomes more acute, particularly where older gantry designs are simply updated with newer detector designs to save cost for the manufacturer. Siemens' unique Adaptive Dose Shield addresses this growing issue by dynamically blocking the unnecessary dose before and after the spiral scan, ensuring that the only dose applied to the patient is dose that is clinically relevant. In addition to its extraordinary performance, the SOMATOM Definition AS is able to adapt to the space constraints many facilities face today. It requires very little floor space, with an 18-m2 footprint. This allows the Definition AS to fit into rooms that have traditionally been too small for high-end CT scanners. SOMATOM Definition Dual Source When released in 2005, the SOMATOM Definition set new standards in clinical performance. With a dual X-ray tube and dual-detector design, the Definition routinely provides images at twice the temporal resolution, twice the speed and twice the power of single-source systems. The Definition's unique configuration also allows it to employ a number of dose-saving techniques that have not been realized on single-source scanners. The SOMATOM Definition Dual Source has also made cardiac imaging routine, by offering clinical flexibility and the optional use of beta blockers. It is now possible to scan patients with arrhythmic heart rates (irregular heart rates), or those patients not ideal for heart rate control. The SOMATOM Definition has become one of Siemens' most successful CT systems, with more than 250 installations worldwide. Last year, Siemens Medical Solutions also demonstrated the clinical results of Spiral Dual Energy, which is an exciting new application not possible with single-source scanners. Siemens will continue to add new dual- energy applications to its six FDA approved syngo(R) Dual Energy applications. Integrated Software Tying it all together, Siemens integrated software solutions and workstations seamlessly provide improved workflow throughout the clinical environment. With Siemens thin-client solution, syngo WebSpace, CT users gain the flexibility of remote reading and review. WebSpace provides real-time access to CT data, from the office, home, or while traveling. syngo WebSpace is now offered in a three-license package, enabling smaller facilities to take advantage of the workflow improvements delivered by syngo WebSpace. In addition, Siemens offers several CT Clinical Engines, enabling a streamlined workflow from scan to diagnosis. These Clinical Engines offer a unique combination of the most innovative scanner and syngo applications, with a focus on cardiac, neurology, oncology and acute care imaging applications. As an example, the new syngo CT Oncology Engine offers a comprehensive solution for diagnostic imaging, evaluation and follow-up in cancer management, by providing a range of fully automated tools specifically designed to support physicians in the detection, segmentation and evaluation of suspicious lesions. It also offers a fully automated follow-up protocol and features CAD (computer-assisted detection). Complete Investment Protection Siemens is introducing its unique upgrade programs e-Tune and syngo Evolve. With these upgrade programs, facilities can be ensured that their hardware and software solutions stay up-to-date at a minimal cost. About Siemens Medical Solutions Siemens Medical Solutions 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 Medical Solutions will be the first fully integrated diagnostics company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. The company delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care -- from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Siemens Medical Solutions employs more than 48,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. According to U.S. GAAP, in the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of euro 9.85 billion, orders of euro 10.27 billion, and group profit of euro 1.32 billion (preliminary figures, unaudited). Further information can be found by visiting http://www.usa.siemens.com/medical. * Pending 510(k) - The information about this product is being provided for planning purposes. The product is pending 510(k) review, and is not yet commercially available in the U.S.