Siemens Introduces Its New Generation of Artis Interventional Imaging Systems

New Family Highlighted by Revolutionary New Artis zeego*, Which Employs

Robotic Technology to Provide Virtually Unrestricted Positioning

Capabilities

    CHICAGO, Nov. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens Medical Solutions
 (www.usa.siemens.com/medical) introduces its next generation of
 interventional imaging systems that offer breakthrough versatility,
 enhanced image quality and streamline workflow across an array of clinical
 environments, from body and neurointerventional radiology suites to
 operating rooms and hybrid rooms. Siemens is showcasing its new Artis
 zee(R) family of interventional imaging systems at the 93rd Scientific
 Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America
 (RSNA) from Nov. 25 to 30 at McCormick Place (Booth #7713, Hall B).
 
     (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO )
 
     (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071125/NYSU002 )
 
     The exceptional versatility of the Artis zee family is exemplified by
 the revolutionary new Artis zeego(R), which features a multi-axis C-arm
 that employs robotic technology to extend imaging capabilities through
 virtually unrestricted C-arm positioning. This results in advanced
 cross-sectional imaging via its positioning flexibility, which is not
 achievable with traditional C-arm systems. The Artis zeego makes it
 possible for the position of the isocenter to be adjusted according to the
 procedural needs or the height of the physician, which is particularly
 beneficial to a physician during lengthy procedures while wearing a heavy
 lead-shielded apron.
 
     The adjustable isocenter also enables off-center rotational angiography
 for all areas of the body and supports advanced 3D imaging techniques,
 including cross-sectional imaging through Siemens' first-to-market syngo(R)
 DynaCT.
 
     The first two facilities in North America to receive the Artis zeego
 for research are St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston and the
 University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, Va. Both
 facilities began examining patients the week of Nov. 12.
 
     The Artis zeego's unique design enables advanced imaging capabilities,
 such as large-volume syngo DynaCT* scans, which enable the physician to see
 the whole abdomen or the entire liver for chemoembolization and biopsies.
 The Artis zeego also addresses neuro-interventional challenges by offering
 views of the skull and the neck and expanded views of the spine.
 
     "A crucial advantage of the multi-axis robotic C-arm is the ability to
 precisely reproduce angulations and projections over and over again," said
 Michel E. Mawad, M.D., chief, Neurovascular Service, St. Luke's Episcopal
 Health Hospital. "With the Artis zeego you can go from one position to
 another within a fraction of a second, which enables you to reproduce exact
 angulations during the same procedure without having to reinject contrast.
 The combination of imaging accuracy and the versatility provided by the
 robotic capabilities puts us on the cutting edge and poised to realize the
 future possibilities in angiography."
 
     "The Artis zeego* really represents the first giant step in changing
 the paradigm for angiography labs," said Michael D. Dake, M.D., chairman,
 Department of Radiology, University of Virginia Health System. "Its
 robotic- driven technology brings interventional radiology to a different
 level, offering a whole new pathway for the future. It offers a
 multiplicity of views that were not possible to obtain before with other
 imaging systems."
 
     Imaging Excellence Distinguishes Entire Artis zee Family
 
     The entire Artis zee family of systems features an enhanced imaging
 chain - spanning image acquisition to image processing and documentation -
 that delivers sharply detailed images required for interventional
 procedures, enhances clarity in 2D imaging, and enables an array of 3D
 imaging applications to help enhance clinical decision-making.
 
     "The introduction of the Artis zee family brings enhanced versatility
 to drive workflow improvements that can help meet the increasing volume in
 interventional procedures, no matter what the clinical setting," said Claus
 Grill, vice president, Angiography, Cardiac, and X-ray Systems, Siemens
 Medical Solutions. "From the innovation of the Artis zeego to imaging
 excellence of 3D applications like syngo DynaCT, Siemens is uniquely
 positioned to meet the burgeoning demands of the interventional radiology
 field as they continue to evolve."
 
     New and enhanced 3D imaging applications included with the Artis zee
 systems include:
 
 
    -- syngo iPilot, which enables faster, more precise catheter navigation
        through 3D roadmapping that superimposes 3D reconstructions onto live
        2D fluoroscopy images, 2D roadmaps or digital subtraction angiography
        (DSA). The application provides real-time updates of C-arm and table
        movements, as well as zoom and source-to-image distance (SID) changes.
     -- syngo iGuide, which is designed to brings needle procedures back into
        the interventional suite, enabling enhanced comfort for the physician
        and freeing up the computed tomography (CT) scanner from this lengthy
        procedure. With the superb fluoroscopy image quality of the Artis zee
        systems, these procedures can be executed faster and with greater
        confidence.
     The Artis zee systems are designed to streamline workflows and create
 efficiencies to help keep pace with increased interventional volume.
 Intuitive, menu-driven workflows streamline such procedures as obtaining
 soft tissue results for both frequent and infrequent users. The Artis zee
 systems also enable all system movements to be easily controlled with one
 ergonomic tableside device.
 
     Unrestricted Freedom of Movement with Artis zeego *
 
     Leveraging advanced robotic technologies, the Artis zeego supports
 additional degrees of freedom beyond those of traditional C-arm technology.
 Specifically, the rotation center of the positioner can be placed anywhere
 in a sphere around the patient. The Artis zeego enables physicians to
 perform complex scanning movements such as tilted table scans in the
 peripherals. This type of scanning has not been possible with traditional
 C-arm design.
 
     The system's flexibility also makes it ideal for use in complicated
 operating room environments. Advanced pre- and post-operative imaging can
 be performed in the same room, as well as enabling surgery to be started
 directly, without transferring the patient, in emergency situations when
 interventional procedures are unsuccessful. Artis zeego's flexible park
 positioning enables it to be stowed away in a variety of space-saving
 positions.
 
     The Artis zee systems are available in floor-mounted, ceiling-mounted,
 multipurpose, biplane, and biplane twin configurations, as well as the
 multi- axis Artis zeego.
 
     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. In
 the fiscal year 2007 (until Sept. 30th), 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.
 
     * 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.
 
 
 

SOURCE Siemens Medical Solutions