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 -- Siemens Medical Solutions will introduce new breakthrough capabilities in breast imaging for the ACUSON Antares[TM] ultrasound system and innovative advancements for the ACUSON Sequoia[TM] 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[TM] and ACUSON X500[TM] 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 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[TM] Spatial Compounding, which includes unique tissue stabilization technology to deliver unmatched detail and contrast resolution, and Dynamic TCE[TM] 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([R]) Auto OB measurements and Advanced fourSight[TM] 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.

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[TM] 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[TM] (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.

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.