Siemens Presents New Innovative Technologies At RSNA 2000.

Business/Health Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 26, 2000

Siemens Medical Engineering Group introduced a wide array of medical device equipment and information technology solutions at the meeting of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago. In addition, Siemens presented a broad offering of financial services. Known as SmartCARE Solutions , this series of financial programs helps manage technology, capital and credit requirements over time. Siemens has specially designed programs to meet the needs of all customers. New products and solutions can be seen at booth 5357 in the North Building, Hall B from November 26, 2000 - December 1, 2000.

A partial list of products and services that will be showcased at meeting of the RSNA follows: The new floor-mounted KOORDINAT O.R. angiography and operating table is specially designed for endovascular interventions in the OR. In conjunction with the Multistar, Angiostar, or Neurostar Plus angiography systems, this table meets various requirements with its floating tabletop and tilt of +/- 15 degrees in two axes. The C-arm's position allows for simultaneous patient access from both sides of the table for physicians conducting the intervention.

The new InSpace 3D flash option will improve workflow for interventional angiography procedures. A push of a button is all that is needed to start 3D reconstructions. Ultra-fast hardware, 2D tomo images and 3D views are available in real time. The calculation of photographic-quality 3D views is an invaluable aid in planning and performing interventions. Images can be displayed in Volume Rendering Technique (VRT), as stereo views, or as virtual angioscopy (Fly-through option).

Breast imaging systems are anchor products in Siemens' women's health initiative. The company continues to make advancements and offers technologically superior solutions that are easily upgradeable on the existing products - MAMMOMAT 1000 and MAMMOMAT 3000/3000 Nova. With the added strengths of syngo, viewing and networking competence, we will smoothly bring the mammography department into the digital world.

Siemens is working in partnership with Imaginis Corporation to educated individuals in over 130 countries by providing them with a better understanding and the ability to increase their involvement in their medical care. Increased knowledge enables them to make informed decisions and achieve optimal treatment. Imaginis.com is a comprehensive Internet resource for information on breast cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment and related women's health topics.

The computed tomography (CT) division continues to drive the future of this versatile imaging modality as they advance their SOMATOM product line. The Emotion CT scanner now has additional capability. The new Duo-option gives the system multi-slice capability for applications requiring high-speed scanning, low volume coverage and high resolution. All Siemens CT scanners have evolved into the world of multislice technology.

The newest member of the SOMATOM family, the Smile, offers a unique design and has plug and play installation. This economical product provides a high return of investment, is easy to use and offers a comforting look and feel. The Smile can be purchased through the company's Internet site www.siemensmedical.com.

New from the magnetic resonance (MR) division are three MAGNETOM systems, the Concerto(1), the Rhapsody(1) and the Trio(2). Offering unprecedented imaging quality, all the products feature the unique Integrated Panoramic Array coil concept (IPA) and the new software platform syngo, both for ease of use and increased productivity. In addition, a comprehensive range of advanced applications has been developed, such as diffusion imaging, peripheral angiography and real-time cardiac imaging.

The new Concerto(1) (0.2 Tesla open design) is a C-shaped permanent magnet that combines the advantages of an open design with the benefits of the IPA coil concept and the syngo-based user interface. With this advanced design, the scanner ensures high returns on investment as running costs are decreased while patient throughput is increased.

The new Rhapsody(1) (1 Tesla open design) provides the best of both worlds: an open design for superior patient comfort and 1 Tesla magnet for high-end clinical applications.

The Allegra(2) is a 3 Tesla dedicated neurology scanner offering the highest MR signal possible. This high signal is necessary for functional brain imaging as it enables imaging of even the slightest brain tissue signal changes. The system is also used for spectroscopy as the spectral dispersion of metabolites increases linearly with field strength, making it easier to distinguish the various compounds. Siemens is actively collaborating with several prestigious universities to further develop the Allegra.

The Trio, a 3 Tesla whole-body scanner, is used not only for brain imaging but also for the entire body. This product is developed through a cooperation between Siemens and Bruker Inc. In this partnership, Siemens provides the magnet, the gradients, and the user-friendly interface - syngo-, as well as its sales and service support and Bruker provides the RF chain that will support multinuclear imaging and spectroscopy and integrates the system.

The SIREMOBIL Iso-C3D new mobile C-arm(2), offers 190(degree) orbital movement and dedicated hardware and software for 3D imaging. The product can be used either for conventional 2D imaging or in 3D imaging mode. 3D intra-operative imaging yields tremendous advantages resulting in greater intra-operative precision, as well as significantly increasing efficiency for orthopedic surgery and trauma applications.

In addition to the debut of SIREMOBIL Iso-C3D, the RSNA will be the forum for highlighting the leading image quality and system performance, as well as the range of applications and advanced capabilities of SIREMOBIL Compact, SIREMOBIL Iso-C and SIREMOBIL Iso-C LF, POWERMOBIL and ARCOSKOP.

The MOBILETT Plus HP and MOBILETT Plus, mobile x-ray systems, coupled with the KION(TM) anesthesia system, are presented in the context of mobile solutions for the intensive care unit, operating room and ward. Siemens' mobile generators offer high power and short exposure times, while their compact design affords optimal maneuverability and easy bedside positioning.

The nuclear medicine group is introducing Biograph, a revolutionary new diagnostic imaging system for positron emission tomography (PET), that produces an image that records in exquisite detail living tissues or life processes. The device combines premier technology from two imaging modalities, CT and PET, to produce a unique image from a single non-invasive diagnostic procedure that maps detailed internal structural anatomy with the molecular or biological function of internal structures and tissues. Using Biograph reduces test times, provides faster and more complete information and allows for earlier diagnosis and detection, as well as improved therapy planning and follow up.

The first whole-body dedicated PET scanner featuring proprietary LSO detector technology, another works-in-progress, is capable of performing whole-body studies in only 20 minutes, raising throughput over current generation PET devices by a factor of two.

The Group is also introducing the E.CAM duet, the first hybrid SPECT and coincidence camera. Based on a unique 1" segmented sodium iodide crystal, this system is revolutionary in it's ability to increase PET efficiency by a factor of four and high energy single photon studies by a factor of two over other system designs. This significantly improves both quality and productivity while retaining the ability to perform superb imaging for general nuclear medicine procedures.

The ICONOS R200 overtable radiography/flouroscopy (R/F) system has expanded functionality, with new features such as Digital Density Optimization (DDO). Its modular design makes ICONOS R200 adaptable for individual requirements with performance ranging from skeletal exposures, gastroenterological diagnostics, and tomography (optional) to special examinations as myelographies, phlebographies, or angiographies. ICONOS R200 provides a high level of comfort and convenience for users and patients alike.

The new SIRESKOP SD is one of the many products that were developed under the company <180>s C.A.R.E. program designed to develop products that offer excellent image quality with reduced dose to patients and users.

The FLUOROSPOT Top and the FLUOROSPOT Compact can now be selected as the digital imaging system. FLUOROSPOT Compact offers a syngo-based common platform. Additional new features such as DSA, digital video loop, or local archiving for up to 7500 images expand the bandwidth for applications. The DICOM standard ensures network capability, and since Fluorospot Compact is based on Windows NT, connection to the Internet is simple.

The VERTIX FD lung and skeletal workstation represents a new generation of digital R/F workstations. Designed for flexible use, this system eliminates manual activities such as loading and transporting cassettes or centering the X-ray tube are eliminated, thus speeding workflow. In addition, FD technology enables dose reductions with no compromises in image quality.

The ultrasound group will present several new and improved innovations for its SONOLINE(R) family of ultrasound systems at this year's RSNA. For the popular, premium Elegra system, Siemens will introduce the all-new image enhancement tool, SieClear(TM) Multi-View Spatial Compounding(1), which is expected to improve the visual definition of boundaries and interfaces as well as reduce the amount of "speckle" in the ultrasound image. Also included in the Elegra's 6.0 upgrade package is an advanced version of SieScape(R) Panoramic Imaging and enhancements to the Elegra's DICOM connectivity.

The newest feature for the Omnia and Sienna systems is 3D Express(TM) Ultra-Fast 3D Rendering. This feature has been seamlessly integrated into both systems and features one-touch, freehand data acquisition. Three-dimensional images of a fetus can be acquired and displayed in just one to four seconds with any convex or linear array transducer while implementing a linear or rocked acquisition technique. The nearly instantaneous image reconstruction times--made possible by Crescendo(TM) Multi-Dimensional Image Processors--allow rapid assessment and increased patient throughput.

3D Express also can be used in conjunction with other Siemens Ultrasound innovations, including Ensemble(TM) Tissue Harmonic Imaging on the Omnia. Other key 3D Express features, available on both the Omnia and the Sienna, include five rendering modes, 3D zoom, image rotation, and editing capabilities.

The LEONARDO workstation offers high-performance for optimal diagnosis, image post-processing, and archiving. LEONARDO is based on the Windows NT and because it is DICOM compatible, it can be integrated into an existing network. The workstation is equipped with the new syngo software platform, supporting a wide range of radiology procedures. The graphic user interface and intuitive processes help standardize and simplify workflow.

Although its operation is simple, LEONARDO provides a wide variety of advanced features. The Spine module is used for digital overview exposures of the spine. Long film cassettes are now a thing of the past as new OrthoLeg enables whole-leg skeletal overview exposures, while the AngioLeg and Colon modules provide complete overviews of the peripheral vascular tree and abdomen.

The newest module is EndoMap(1), used by orthopedists and trauma surgeons to plan the implantation of hip and knee prostheses. Prosthesis templates are positioned on a digital X-ray image in an easy and convenient manner. Also available are prosthesis models, which offer many benefits designed to improve accuracy, reduce planning times and provide comprehensive and secure documentation.

In addition to imaging systems, Siemens will present products and solutions from two other non-radiology specific divisions. The oncology care systems group will present solutions related to image guided radiotherapy, integrating oncology data and advances in the tool kit for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). From the electromedicine division, comes the new INFINITY Medside Data Station (MDS) computer workstation. Designed to meet the strict safety requirements for a medical grade, patient vicinity device, the product, which can be connected to standard hospital network systems along with other applications, increases clinical care efficiency, facilitates decision-making, and offers a safe, efficient way to bring information to the beside.

The broad product and service offerings from Siemens makes them one of the most comprehensive providers of healthcare equipment and solutions in the world dedicated to increasing productivity, optimizing treatment processes and offering advanced clinical performance.

Siemens Medical Engineering Group (Med) is one of the largest suppliers of healthcare equipment in the world. Med is renowned for its innovative products, services and complete solutions, ranging from imaging systems for diagnosis and therapy equipment for treatment, to electromedicine and hearing instruments to IT solutions that optimize workflow and increase efficiency in hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices. Siemens also offers a variety of data management solutions and is currently the largest Application Service Provider. Employing approximately 28,000 people worldwide, in fiscal 2000 (September, 30), Med reported preliminary sales of 5.1 billion Euro and EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) of 441 million Euro. More information can be obtained through the Company's website http://www.med.siemens.com.

(1) Information about SieClear Multi-View Spatial Compounding, SIREMOBIL Iso-C3D, EndoMap, and the MAGNETOM Concerto and Rhapsody is being provided for planning purposes. These products are pending 510(k) review, and are not yet commercially available in the U.S.

(2) Information about the MAGNETOM Trio is preliminary. The product is under development and not commercially available in the U.S., and its future availability cannot be ensured.

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