Siemens New MRI Systems Set Trends Again: MAGNETOM Verio Brings High-
Resolution MRI to More Patients than Ever Before and MAGNETOM Essenza
Delivers the Newest Technology at the Most Affordable Price
MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens Medical
Solutions (http://www.usa.siemens.com/medical) is once again paving the way to
increased access to essential imaging services with the introduction of two
new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. At a 1.5 Tesla (T) magnetic
field strength, the MAGNETOM(R) Essenza is the most affordable*, all-new
MRI system on the market today. It was designed from the ground up to
deliver high-field imaging at a low purchase price with similarly low
installation and operational costs, compared with traditional MRI systems.
The Essenza helps smaller healthcare facilities offer a new range of
imaging services that were previously unavailable. Siemens new MAGNETOM
Verio combines excellent image quality at 3T field strength and a 70-cm
open bore that offers exceptional patient comfort in one solution.
Additionally, the Verio increases access to high-field imaging services for
patients who previously could not be imaged, like patients who are obese
(up to 550 lbs.) or claustrophobic.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO )
Both of these systems offer Siemens unique Tim(TM) (Total imaging
matrix) technology, which eliminates the need for patient repositioning and
manual coil changes during scans, while significantly enhancing image
quality. Tim technology can help MRI departments achieve advanced clinical
and workflow capabilities.
Siemens will showcase these new systems along with a host of other MRI
innovations at the 93rd Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) from November 25 to 30 in
Chicago (Booth #7713, Hall B).
"Siemens is helping to break down barriers and opening up access to MR
imaging," said Walter Marzendorfer, president, Siemens Medical Solutions,
MR Division. "Our technologies provide solutions for providers and patients
that address everything from workflow improvement to the cost of technology
to medical conditions that previously hindered MR imaging for those who
needed it most."
MAGNETOM Essenza, the Most Affordable, All-New 1.5T MRI
Siemens recently introduced the groundbreaking 1.5T MAGNETOM Essenza,
an MRI system that can be as much as $500,000 less than other, new 1.5T
systems.* The system offers innovative technologies that support a
facility's clinical and financial success. In addition to the low initial
investment, savings of up to 25 percent can also be attained on
installation costs for space, power requirements and construction.* In
part, this is due to the magnet's light weight of only 3.5 tons. This gives
a facility more installation options as the magnet can be installed on
higher floors. Furthermore, the MAGNETOM Essenza has a short length of only
145 cm, which is the second shortest system length offered by Siemens. If
the system is replacing an existing MRI, it can reduce energy consumption
by up to 50 percent thanks to its high-performance electronics.* The magnet
also has zero helium boil-off so there is no need to regularly refill the
expensive cooling substance, and the system is always ready for operation.
With powerful 30 mT/m gradients, the Essenza delivers excellent image
quality for all clinical applications. Another innovation on the Essenza is
the IsoCenter Matrix coil, which is installed at the center of the magnet,
so it is always in the correct position, providing a simple workflow
solution that leads to outstanding image quality.
In October, Siemens opened voting for a national contest at
http://www.winanmri.com. The program invites healthcare facilities with 180 beds
or less that currently do not have a fixed MRI system to display their
creativity and dedication to patient care by stating a two-minute case in
short videos that prove why they should receive a free, new Essenza MRI
from Siemens. Individuals from across the country can view the videos on
the Web site and choose which facility they believe is most deserving of
the MRI system. The facility whose video receives the most votes will be
awarded a brand new MAGNETOM Essenza. Voting for this contest will close on
Dec. 31, with the winner being announced in mid January.
MAGNETOM Verio and the Industry's Most Exciting Equation 3T + 70 cm +
Tim
Siemens also introduced the MAGNEOTM Verio, the world's first 3T MRI
with a 70-cm open bore. Siemens is still the only company to offer open
bore technology at 1.5T and now introduces that imaging strength at 3T.
This configuration leads to improved patient comfort, better workflow and
reduced costs in high-end MR imaging for the diagnosis of challenging
diseases.
The Verio represents a complete new class of MRI technology that
delivers high-field diagnostic imaging to patients who typically have not
had access to MR imaging. Due to the system's 70-cm bore diameter, the
average distance between a patient's eyes and the magnet is 30 cm, greatly
alleviating concerns of claustrophobia in many patients. In addition, the
wider space makes it possible to scan patients who could not be examined
with the MRI system in the past, including those suffering from kyphosis
(limited mobility) or those who are in pain, as well as pediatric and obese
patients up to 550 pounds, those who are dependent on medical devices,
those who are in intensive care, and those having to undergo intraoperative
procedures.
With a system length of only 173 cm, the MAGNETOM Verio is currently
the shortest 3T MRI system on the market worldwide, while having the
footprint of a 1.5T MRI system. Furthermore, it is equipped with a light
magnet of six tons, compared to other 3T systems. Thanks to the system's
smaller dimensions and lower weight, the installation costs for the
MAGNETOM Verio are minimized and the system also uses a zero helium
boil-off technology.
With Tim technology, coil setup for procedures on the Verio is easy and
fast, and acquisition times are significantly reduced. Up to 102 seamlessly
integrated matrix coil elements and up to 32 independent radio frequency
channels combine to enable advanced clinical applications on the MAGNETOM
Verio, which can quickly and reliably allow physicians to evaluate complex
pathologies. Even advanced applications can be performed as part of the
daily routine, like syngo(R) DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging), which provides
complete 3D views of neuronal fibers just by pressing a few buttons.
The MAGNETOM Verio is available in a T-class configuration for shorter
order-to-report turnaround time and a seamless workflow, and it is
available in an I-class configuration that is capable of performing Siemens
most advanced applications.
Continuous Table Move Scanning with syngo TimCT
Orders for syngo TimCT have grown significantly since its general
availability in July 2007. syngo TimCT is available exclusively on Siemens'
T- class systems at 1.5T (MAGNETOM Avanto, Espree and Symphony) and at 3T
(MAGNETOM Trio and Verio). The revolutionary syngo TimCT application allows
physicians to acquire one complete planning scan, or peripheral
angiography, in a single, continuous move. With syngo TimCT, the table is
not required to stay in a fixed position to acquire images. Instead the
table moves continuously as it does during a computed tomography (CT) scan,
while Tim enables the signal to be acquired simultaneously. The results are
significant
speed-ups of workflow, increased image quality and the ability to
perform new applications.
"Workflow has been greatly simplified. Previously, we needed up to
twelve work steps from patient positioning on the MRI table to data
acquisition, but today we only need six," said Jorg Barkhausen, M.D.,
assistant medical director and acting head, University Hospital Essen,
Germany. "This saves time and also reduces costs while increasing
diagnostic safety. At the same time, syngo TimCT improves the image quality
as the body region just being scanned is in the center of the magnet."
Advances in MRI Breast Spectroscopy
A recent study published in Radiology found that proton MRI
spectroscopy may eliminate 68 percent of biopsies for benign non-mass
breast lesions found on standard MRI exams without missing any cancers.(1)
Siemens' solution for quantitative MRI breast spectroscopy, syngo GRACE,
allows physicians to obtain essential metabolic information about the
biochemical composition of breast lesions. This additional information
helps physicians better distinguish between malignant and benign lesions to
potentially reduce the risk of unnecessary breast biopsies. Using choline
as a biomarker, syngo GRACE provides improved differential diagnosis and
enhanced confidence in therapy monitoring.
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.siemens.com/medical.
* Results may vary. Data on file.
(1) Bartella L, et al "Enhancing Nonmass Lesions in the Breast: Evaluation
with Proton (1H) MR Spectroscopy" Radiology 2007; 245: 80-87.
SOURCE Siemens Medical Solutions
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Related links:
http://www.siemens.com/medical
http://www.winanmri.com
http://rsna2007.rsna.org/rsna2007/V2007/index.cvn
Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Mark Palacio of Siemens AG, +1-610-448-1477,
mark.palacio@siemens.com
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