Siemens Ultrsound Group completes development of new advanced upgrade packages and transducers.

SEATTLE--(BW HealthWire)--April 8, 1997--Siemens Medical Systems Inc. Ultrasound Group today introduced upgrades to its premier ultrasound imaging system, the SONOLINE(R) Elegra.

The SONOLINE Elegra system enhancements will for the first time allow pediatric and urology specialists to use Siemens' top-of-the-line ultrasound system to generate top-quality medical images.

The SONOLINE Elegra system enhancements include:

-- Enhanced 2D-mode color Doppler and pulsed Doppler modes

-- Five new transducers, primarily for urology, pediatrics and

transcranial Doppler applications.

-- New complete worksheets and reports for obstetrics and

vascular applications

-- DICOM 3.0 (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine)

connectivity.

-- SieScape(TM) imaging software and integrated image processor

hardware.

"These latest enhancements to the SONOLINE Elegra system add more power to an already very powerful system," said Lothar Koob, vice president of Siemens Ultrasound Group. "Our focus is on improving image quality, expanding clinical applications, and improving clinical results from diagnostic ultrasound."

"This new set of features was developed in record time -- an accomplishment only possible because of the integrated programmable image processor and system architecture," Koob said.

Color Doppler enhancements include a number of maps which result in the ability to identify and assess a wide range of blood flow situations, and on a greater number of patients. Also included in the color Doppler enhancement package are new presets, providing significant improvements in resolution, image detail and system operation efficiencies.

With Doppler mode imaging, enhancements include improved spectral displays, better depiction of spectral windows and improved sensitivity for detecting low velocity flow. New presets have been incorporated for efficient operation of the system during Doppler examinations.

Pulsed Doppler advances include improved spectral displays, better depiction of spectral windows and increased sensitivities to low velocity flow. New presets have also been included in this advanced performance package. This set of improvements will deliver better diagnostic results along with improved operating efficiencies.

The new transducers expand the range of applications and patient types that can be examined with the SONOLINE Elegra system. Of primary value, these transducers will provide complete pediatric, urological and transcranial imaging capabilities.

The 7.5PL13 is an ideal transducer for evaluation of neonatal heads as well as in neonatal abdominal imaging and interventional radiology. The 7.5C30 delivers excellent results in pediatric abdominal imaging and adult small parts imaging.

"The neonatal transducer offered beautiful pictures. The neonatal heads showed excellent delineation of anatomy," said Dr. John Mernagh, director of ultrasound, McMaster University Medical Center of Hamilton, Ont.

"For fetal assessment, we are seeing a level of definition unheard of a couple of years ago," said Dr. Mernagh, who tested the 7.5PL13 and the 7.5C30.

The 2.5PL20 delivers superb transcranial Doppler imaging as well as deep abdominal imaging.

All new transducers use the same acoustic design technology, which allows the user to instantaneously select from a wide range of transmit and receive frequencies during a patient exam.

New worksheets and reports for obstetrics provide the ability to have side-by-side reports for multiple gestations, user-editable measurements and descriptive comments. Vascular worksheets and reports provide an easy-to-read display of velocity and ratio calculations.

Instant connection to workstations, printers and archive devices is now standard on the SONOLINE Elegra system, via DICOM 3.0.

"Siemens has eliminated the need and expense of an external acquisition unit, saving hospitals thousands of dollars in equipment purchases and increasing department efficiency," said Bob Heiligenberg, PACS marketing manager, Siemens Ultrasound.

SieScape(TM) imaging, a major breakthrough for diagnostic ultrasound, was introduced in November along with the fully integrated image processor. The software/hardware option makes sophisticated real-time image processing possible for the first time on an ultrasound system and ensures the fast development and delivery of new software-based clinical applications. Extended field-of-view images are now possible, which provide improved efficiency and better communication with referring physicians and better diagnostic information.

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Siemens Medical Systems Ultrasound Group, with world headquarters in Issaquah, is part of New Jersey-based Siemens Medical Systems Inc., one of the world's leading providers of diagnostic imaging and advanced medical electronics systems and products. The company employs approximately 5,000 people in the United States and had annual sales of nearly $1.4 billion in fiscal year 1995-1996.

SONOLINE is a registered trademark of Siemens. SieScape is a trademark of Siemens. U.S. Patent No. 5,575,286. Other U.S. and foreign patents are pending.

CONTACT: Patricia Landers Gee, 800/367-3569

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Sara Britton, 206/448-1200, 206/392-9180 x 5856

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